Geneva Park District reopens fitness centers, Butterfly House; some summer activities resume
Over the next two weeks, as part of entering Phase 4, the Geneva Park District will be reopening both fitness centers and Peck Farm Park Butterfly House, and offering in-group fitness classes.
The park district will be reopening both BestLife Fitness Centers on Monday, June 29. Hours for both facilities will be 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
"During this time our staff has been creative in fulfilling the district's mission by providing recreational outlets in a virtual way through our website and social media. As Phase 3 approached, we were able to have limited outdoor classes including tennis, outdoor fitness, and summer camp," said Sheavoun Lambillotte, executive director. "Now, as we enter into Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan, we are extremely excited to allow our patrons and members back into our buildings. While things may look a bit different, we are elated to have our residents back!"
"Combining the guidelines for Health & Fitness Clubs in Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan and the Illinois' Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity along with months of staff preparation, we have made modifications to our fitness centers to maximize our member's experience while maintaining a high level of cleanliness and safety," said Nicole Vickers, Superintendent of Recreation.
"BestLife Fitness members can expect to find strategically spaced out equipment, including the use of additional spaces throughout the community centers. These measures have been taken to help ensure safety remains the top priority while maintaining social distancing," Vickers said.
During the closure, the park district staff has performed a comprehensive cleaning of all facilities and has developed an approach to continue to clean and sanitize based on the guidelines provided through the Illinois Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
Plexiglass shields also have been installed at the front desk. There is no child care available at this time, and a mask must be worn, except when you are doing physical activity. Additional information can be found online at www.genevaparks.org/bestlife-fitness/.
Indoor group fitness classes will resume the week of July 13.
In addition, the Geneva Park District is offering new aqua fitness, lap swim, and swim lessons at Mill Creek Pool. Preregistration is required for all programs and is available at genevaparks.org.
"Beginning the week of June 29, the swim lessons have been expanded to include New Parent/Child Preschool lessons for ages 3-5 years old with parent. Other options include Parent/Tot for ages 6 months to 3 years old and private swim lessons/Stroke School for ages 6 and older," Vickers said.
The schedule is released on Thursdays and is also available at genevaparks.org, spots are limited due to the guidelines set forth by the Illinois Department of Public Health, therefore, early registration is encouraged.
Also, as we enter into Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan, several summer recreation programs can resume including youth volleyball, martial arts, tennis, dance, and All Star Sports classes. In addition, outdoor fitness options and summer camp continue to be popular and are available to sign up for on a weekly basis. All guidelines will be followed and preregistration is required and can be done online at genevaparks.org.
The Butterfly House at Peck Farm Park will open Friday, July 3. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. In addition, special senior only hours were added on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 10 a.m.
"Peck Farm Park Butterfly House guidelines include: masks must be worn at all times, no food, drinks, strollers, purses, backpacks, bags, or other personal items allowed. We ask all visitors leave all personal items, including food and beverages, secured in their vehicles. Social distancing must be practiced at all times and entry will be limited to eight visitors allowed at a time and a time limit will be enforced as visitation demands require," Lambillotte said.
In addition, the park district is now resuming rental requests for outdoor events at Island Park, River Park, and Peck Farm Park. All rental information can be found at genevaparks.org.
"Birthday party reservations are also available for Stone Creek Miniature Golf as well as limited options at the Stephen Persinger Recreation Center," Vickers said. "I encourage people to visit our website or email us at info@genevaparks.com for any questions regarding birthday parties."
Unfortunately, at this time, the spraygrounds at Moore Park and Hawks Hollow remain closed. As soon as new guidelines are released, our staff will evaluate and communicate any changes," Lambillotte said.
"Thank you to our community for their diligence, patience, and understanding during this unprecedented time. We have missed everyone greatly and look forward seeing you!," Lambillotte said.
For more information, visit genvaparks.org or email info@genevaparks.com.