By Rich Palzewic
Staff Writer
ALLOUEZ – The Allouez village board approved a plan for reopening its facilities based on a phased approach at its June 2 meeting.
“Our department put together a plan for reopening facilities shut down since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Chris Clark, director of parks, recreation and forestry. “The plan mirrors other communities in the area, and we utilized the state’s Badger Bounce Back Plan for a phased reopening.”
Highlights of the plan include allowing sports leagues to practice (no more than 10 individuals) beginning June 13 and games (no more than 50 individuals per field) to begin July 6.
“We have spoken to most of the leagues – some youth and others adult – and they want to get back out there,” Clark said. “We are asking them to put a plan in place on how they will best manage their program and facility based on the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines. Several have already submitted their plans, and they’ve been very good.”
Clark said tournaments will be difficult to host based on the number of potential spectators present.
Green Isle Park will be closed until Phase 3 of the Badger Bounce Back Plan is met, which has no maximum limit for gatherings.
Current rentals can reschedule for 2021 or cancel to receive a full refund of rental and security deposit fees.
There will be no new rentals accepted for 2020 at this time, but the village is accepting rentals for the 2021 year.
“A majority of the events have been canceled, but we still have about eight rentals still scheduled for June, July and August,” Clark said. “We could probably accommodate those rentals at this point, but we will do it on a month-to-month basis. For the July renters, we will look at the situation mid-June, see where we’re at and then give proper notice if they need to cancel. Many of the events are family-type parties.”
Playgrounds are currently open, but equipment will not be sanitized by the village per CDC recommendations.
Portable toilets are currently available at many park locations, and park restrooms at Optimist, Green Isle and Kiwanis parks may open starting June 13.
Village staff said restroom availability is based on the ability to sufficiently maintain recommended cleaning guidelines.
Bathrooms and portable toilets will be sanitized once per day by the village.
Village president Jim Rafter also announced the passing of village attorney Randy Gast.
“Randy passed away May 26,” said Rafter. “He lost his four-year battle with cancer, but fought gallantly. Randy served as a village trustee for nine years, president for a year and our attorney for the last four years. Our heart goes out to his family, but he served our community well.”