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COVID-19 Update: An Important Message

Fri March 27, 2020

 Dear Residents,

The great outdoors can have many benefits - both mental and physical, and our parks and open space provide a critical support to our community during this difficult time. 

Parks and trails remain open but social distancing must be maintained, including when you are walking, jogging, cycling, and nature viewing. Please enjoy these activities but DO NOT congregate (gather in groups) when visiting parks, and please practice social distancing by staying 6 feet away from others. 

This week we posted social media reminders to people about Governor Pritzker's executive order that all playgrounds are closed and that parks and trails are NOT open for gathering in groups. 

Since then, many people have chosen to disregard Governor Pritzker's executive order, and we have had to take further action by installing "closed" signs at every playground and sports courts. The larger community playgrounds are now roped off with fencing. Basketball nets are pulled together by zip ties, goals are removed from soccer fields, and tennis courts and the skate park are now locked.  

We are working cooperatively with the Batavia Police Department, and they have been assisting us with strict enforcement of the Governor's executive order. The services our parks department is providing is considered an essential service so they are doing their best to keep our parks healthy while also trying to disperse people from playing on playgrounds and sports courts. We do not want to take the next step which would be to close our parks entirely. 

Thank you for your patience as we take proactive measures to keep the community healthy and reduce the spread of COVID-19. Do your part to flatten the curve and save lives!

Stay safe, happy, and healthy,

Allison Niemela 

Executive Director

Friday, March 20 Update - 

The Batavia Park District facilities will be closed through Tuesday, April 7 in accordance to Governor Pritzker's directive to 'Shelter in Place'. All playgrounds and sports courts in community and neighborhood parks are closed from Saturday, March 21 at 5:00 pm until April 7 unless otherwise specified.

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Friday, March 13

Dear Residents,

The Batavia Park District is closely monitoring new developments regarding the COVID-19 (coronavirus) as information is rapidly evolving from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Illinois Department of Public Health and the Kane County Health Department. I want you to know there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 among the Park District participants or staff.  The health and safety of our residents, visitors and employees is of the utmost importance and is our #1 priority.

In accordance with Governor Pritzker’s directive to close all schools in Illinois, Batavia Park District has decided that all facilities will be closed starting Monday, March 16th and reopening on Monday, April 6th. All programs, activities, and events are also canceled during that period unless otherwise specified.

Although facilities will be closed to the public, there will be the following exceptions:

• Our customer relations advisors will be available via telephone (630-879-5235) during regularly scheduled office hours: Monday – Thursday 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm to answer any questions or help you with your online registration needs. You can register online at: bataviaparks.org.
• Individuals who have rented space during this prolonged closure will still be allowed to host their scheduled event. Cancelations will be determined by the renter’s level of comfort and a full refund will be issued shall a cancelation occur.
• Program participants may have the opportunity to make-up a missed class(es) and if that option is not available then they can opt to receive a credit on their household account for any missed programs affected by the closure.
• In accordance with the Open Meetings Act, the Civic Center will be open at 7:00 pm on March 17 for the regularly scheduled Park Board Meeting.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following preventative actions:

• Stay home when you are sick or experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness with fever, cough or difficulty breathing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Thank you for your patience as we take proactive measures to keep the community healthy and reduce the spread of COVID-19. We assure you we are committed to being as responsive as we can as new information is shared with us. Please look for updates from the District through social media, our website (bataviaparks.org) or by reaching us at 630-879-5235.

Best regards,

Allison Niemela

Executive Director