City of Omaha Parks Reopened

Press release from the City of Omaha:

April 25, 2020

(April 25, 2020) – City of Omaha parks reopened Saturday, a week earlier than planned. Park hours will be 5:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. daily. Dog parks are also open.

Playgrounds and sports complexes will remain closed.

Mayor Jean Stothert asked parents to keep children off all playgrounds. “The guidelines require disinfecting playground equipment and letting it sit for 24 hours before use,” said Mayor Stothert. “We cannot disinfect our 197 playgrounds every day. Please keep your kids off the playgrounds, they are not safe.” Closed signs remain up at playgrounds.

Earlier this month, Governor Pete Ricketts amended the state’s public health orders to suspend organized youth sports practices and games until at least May 3, so city fields and sports complexes remain closed, in compliance with that order.

Large gatherings in the parks will still not be allowed. “Our parks are big enough people can spread out,” said Mayor Stothert. Lakes will be open for fishing, parking lots and trail access points will be open.

Mayor Stothert also announced the City’s 15 public swimming pools and 11 splash grounds will not open on schedule. The current limit of 10 people at a gathering and the 6-8' social distancing requirement will prevent the safe operation of city pools. Mayor Stothert said if the restrictions change, the Parks Department can have some pools ready to open in 2-3 weeks. Splash grounds could be open in about a week.

If pools can open later this summer, Mayor Stothert said the City may open some, but not all pools. The pool season could be extended to late August or September and daily pool hours could also be extended.

The State of Nebraska is currently considering a July 15 opening date for all pools.

The popular youth summer camps at Hummel, Zorinsky, Hanscom Park and Adams Park will also not open as planned in June.

“We want to have camps,” said Parks Director Brook Bench. “We have 300 campers registered at Hummel. We will try to open camps if the restrictions are lifted.”

The Parks Department will refund all registration fees. A second registration could be offered if a shorter camp season is possible.

This press release was produced by the City of Omaha. The views expressed here are the author’s own.