The Shadow
City of Covington City Council Working to Resume Normalcy
(June 10, 2020 Covington, VA) Covington City Council and the City of Covington are excited to announce the re-opening of City Parks and other recreational sites based on efforts to work through the ever evolving Executive Orders issued by the Governor. City Council has worked with the City Attorney and City Management in an effort to provide as many regular amenities as possible during this uncertain and restrictive time.
Council and the City recognize that the last few months have been difficult for our children and those who frequent our recreational facilities. Simply put, this has been an extraordinarily challenging time for our community and it is time we work to get back some sense of normal in our lives, while practicing common sense measures.
As the Executive Orders change, updates on openings or the guidelines for use will be provided to our citizens as quickly as possible. All residents are encouraged to visit and enjoy our wonderful outdoor amenities at this time.
In an effort to support the business community impacted by the Executive Orders in place during COVID-19, the City and Council are actively pursuing $1.5M in grant dollars to assist the small business and non-profit community in conjunction with area local governments. Currently a USDA Micro-loan program is place. The City is also proactively working to develop an easy process for outdoor/patio dining permit applications.
The following City Facilities are open for public use:
– All City Playgrounds
– All City Basketball Courts
– City Tennis Courts
– All Park Shelters and Barbecues
These are available for use on a first come first serve basis
Athletic Fields throughout the City are for practices only
No scheduling will take place at this time, the City is working to provide our citizens open access at this time.
All Trails and Open Green Spaces
City Hall with modified public interface efforts to serve citizens
Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the public is reminded that uses of the City’s Public Facilities for are permitted under the following guidelines and Executive Order 65:
– No one with a fever or symptoms of COVID-19 or known exposure to COVID-19 in the prior 14 days is permitted to use this public facility
– All users must maintain recommended social distancing at all times
– Avoid contact with others using the facility
– Consider wearing gloves during play to minimize/avoid handling equipment with bare hands
– No congregation or gatherings of more than 50 people are permitted
– Proceed to your vehicle immediately upon finishing use of the facility
COVID-19 is and remains a highly contagious virus. As such, it is highly recommended that all users bring with them, and frequently use, anti-bacterial wipes and hand sanitizer before, during, and after use of these facilities.
The following activities or facilities are planning openings:
– Covington Farmers Market – Saturday, June 13, 2020, at 9:00 a.m.
– The River Rock Concert Series is set to Kick-off July 3, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.
– The City will host its Independence Day Concert and Fireworks on July 4th
– An updated scheduled of concerts will be made publicly available soon.
– The Restrooms located at the Jackson River Sports Complex will only be available during the River Rock Concert Series beginning on July 3, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.
– The Covington Parks & Recreation Team has begun working on a Summer Enrichment Program for our children. Program is tentatively slated to start in early July
The following will remain closed or un-operational at this time until further notice, pending changes to Executive Order 65:
– City Park Restroom Facilities located throughout the City
– Jackson River Sports Complex Tournament Games
– The City Municipal Pool
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