Update from General Services Department Parks & Recreation Division on Operational Changes in Response to COVID-19

Following Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-09 addressing temporary restrictions on the use of places of public accommodation, Detroit Parks & Recreation wants to encourage safe park usage during COVID-19. This situation continues to evolve, and we will update our communication as we learn more about best practices and recommendations from the state and federal government.  
 
Park Usage: 
 
To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the City of Detroit has closed all of its recreation centers through April 13, 2020. Park facilities such as clubhouses, community centers, and public restrooms will also remain closed during this time.  
 
Recent evidence suggests that the COVID-19 virus can live for several days on surfaces such as playgrounds and other “high touch” areas in public spaces. For this reason, please refrain from using playgrounds or other park amenities, and instead focus on taking long walks or bike rides, practicing social distancing of at least 6 feet from other individuals.  
 
Programming:  

In general, delays or cancellations can be expected for programs with scheduled start dates between now and the end of April.  As we receive new guidance from the Governor’s office, we will continue to update programming plans and keep community members up to date.   Although these are difficult decisions to make, our number one priority continues to be the health and safety of all citizens. 
 
Specific Program Information:  

Should you have specific questions about recreation programming cancellations or delays, you may reach out via email at [email protected] or call (313)224-1100  
 
Meet Up and Eat Up:

Recreation centers, schools and churches across the City are providing meals for youth 18 and under.  To find the most convenient Meet up and Eat up site, dial the United Way of Southeastern Michigan help line at 211 or text "FOOD" to 877-877. 
 
Meals for Seniors:

 If you have questions about meal service for seniors, please contact the Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA) at (313) 446-4444. 

 
Soccer and Flag Football:  

Recreation is anticipating a delay in the start of the flag football and soccer seasons.  As decisions around delays and cancellations are made, information will be communicated out to registrants and the community.  Should the need to cancel the season arise, all registered players will receive a full refund. 
 
Permits:  

All facility rentals and park permits through April 5, 2020 have been canceled with full refunds.  Facility rentals and park permits will be accepted for April 6th and beyond, contingent upon new recommendations and mandates from the Governor's office that may create the need for additional cancellations.  
 
Construction Timelines:

At this time, all 2020 construction timelines remain the same. If this changes, we will communicate with each park individually about delays or postponement of construction schedules.  
 
Park Maintenance:

Park maintenance and trash pick-up will continue at all city parks weekly as scheduled.    Community Engagement: At this time, we recommend the cancellation or postponement of community engagement. While some engagement may be possible through virtual channels, please keep in mind that a number of Detroiters do not have internet access and may not be able to participate as a result. We will reevaluate this recommendation on April 6, 2020.