UPDATE
June 18, 2020
Dear Residents, Families & Patrons,
In support of Governor Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan, Park District of Franklin Park facilities remain closed and summer programs normally available are delayed. Park District staff is working to provide Day Camps, some access to the Ice Arena, and selected Community Events as outlined below as early as July 6, pending continued restoration progress.
The Park District’s Transition Team is determining the safest and most efficient facility, program and event plans for our staff, residents, patrons and supporting vendors. We also continue to work with the Franklin Park Health Department and the Cook County & Illinois Departments of Public Health to monitor and evaluate conditions.
Camps (Discovery, Teen, Tot & Sunshine)
Camps are planned to begin on July 6 and registration is open. We secured additional locations to limit the amount of campers at each site. Locations will be determined based on age. We understand this is not ideal for families with multiple campers in different age groups, but it is best for overall safety. Camps will not have field trips. New guidelines and call camp information can be found on our website.
Pool on Pacific
We are disappointed to inform you the Pool on Pacific will not open this summer. The decision follows months of concerted effort to find a way to safely open within the required State of Illinois and Illinois Department of Public Health and National CDC guidelines, and serious consideration by staff and the Park District Board of Commissioners. Safety of residents and staff are the top priority. Please read the full statement from our Director of Parks & Recreation.
Special Events
All special events in June and July are cancelled. This includes Street Dance, Summer Concerts at North Park, Movies in the Park and Park Parties. June Concerts were moved to August and will be held if we enter Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois Plan.
Recreation Programs
All Recreation Programs in June are cancelled with the exception of some Adult Fitness Programs. Please note, classes will take place outdoors and registration is limited to ten in accordance with the Restore Illinois Phase 3 guidelines. Online registration is preferred. You may register over the phone with a credit card or if you need to register in-person contact (847) 455-2852. Programs that run through July and August will resume when we enter Phase 4 and it is safe and feasible.
Fitness Center
The Fitness Center remains closed until further notice. Pass holders will have their passes extended from the time we were closed.
Community Center Room/Gymnasium Rentals
All rentals in June are cancelled. We are not accepting future dates at this time.
Ice Arena / North Park Facility
The Ice Arena & North Park remain closed with a plan to reopen in early July pending progress to Phase 4. Ice Arena Camp & Program registration is open. North Park is a potential Day Camp location beginning July 6. In the meantime, private tours at North Park are available. Please contact (847) 678-4021 to set up an appointment. Masks will be required to enter the facility.
The parks are open for socially distanced walking and running, but please keep the CDC recommended distance of six feet from another person. We need your help to keep your parks and community safe. We ask you to take social distancing to the fullest extent. If you or anyone in your family is sick, please stay home. Unfortunately, playground equipment including basketball courts, skateboarding areas and outdoor fitness equipment also remain closed.
Continuous updates will be shared via email and Facebook. Meanwhile, feel free to contact us at 847-455-2852 or by direct staff email. Looking ahead, Online registration is preferred. You may also register over the phone with a credit card. If you need to register in-person please contact (847) 455-2852.
We appreciate your understanding and support and look forward to serving you soon.
Sincerely,
Park District of Franklin Park Staff
P.S. July is National Parks & Recreation Month. It will be wonderful if we can celebrate it together!