Illinois is now in the Tier Four Bridge Phase in covid-19 safety guidelines. That will mean a few changes at Urbana Park District.

“We are glad to be entering this new phase which will allow increased attendance at our pools, buildings, classes and camps,” said Corky Emberson, Superintendent of Recreation. “We will still require people to wear masks when they are inside park district buildings.”

The park district will no longer require a temperature check to enter facilities. People will still have to write their name and address on a sheet for contact tracing.

At Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center, people can come to the pool on a first come, first served basis. All features will be on and available. Locker rooms will be available but the park district encourages people to change and shower at home. There will be signage and markings to help guide with social distancing. Face masks must be worn upon entering the facility and when moving around in the facility. People can take masks off while sitting, sunbathing, or in the water. People can rent the pool for parties.

People can rent the Lake House in Crystal Lake Park for up to 30 people. The park district will continue to rent pavilions. Call the park district at (217) 367-1544 or in person at the Phillips Recreation Center to reserve a pavilion.

Starting on Saturday, June 5, the Anita Purves Nature Center will be open for public visits on Saturdays and Sundays through August 15. Visitors can explore the Field Station exhibit hall, see wildlife from the windowed Observation Room, and make purchases in the Nature Shop.

• Private group visits will be available on Saturday mornings only. Visits will be 45-minutes long starting at 9am, 10am, 11am, and 12pm. Call 217-384-4062 before noon on Friday to schedule a private visit.
• Walk-in visits will be available from 1-4pm on Saturdays and from 9am-4pm on Sundays.

Masks will continue to be required inside the nature center. Visitation capacity is 15 persons. Outside, you can visit Busey Woods for a walk or enjoy the Friendship Grove Nature Playscape. Visits are always free.

Day camps will start at 50-percent capacity with the possibility of increasing capacity later in the summer.

“We will continue to follow all local public health guidelines,” Emberson said. “While Illinois is moving in the right direction, covid-19 is still a concern, so please be sure to wear masks in our buildings, observe social distancing and stay home if you feel ill.”

Emberson concluded, “We are happy to open up our programming to more people and we are excited to offer summer programming. Everyone is welcome at our parks, buildings, classes and events.”