The Bowling Green Community Center’s opening has been delayed, but other park facilities in the city will be opening on Monday, June 1.
The city’s 11 parks have remained open during the pandemic, but many of the facilities were shut down.
In working through the State of Ohio’s Responsible RestartOhio as well as CDC Guidelines, the restrooms in parks are now open, and any non-contact sports facilities are also open.
Fitness classes will begin on June 1. Most park facilities, including shelter houses can be rented starting on June 1.
The program staff is working on some mini day camps and mini skills camp programs that will begin in mid to late June.
The reopening of the Bowling Green Community Center originally scheduled for June 1 is temporarily postponed due to logistical issues and delays in transport of the portable air conditioning unit used to cool the building during the summer months.
Without this unit in place and due to the CDC restrictions that prohibit use of fans to provide air circulation and cooling during the pandemic, we have determined that the best course of action for the safety of our facility users is to delay the reopening of the facility until the mobile unit is delivered and connected.
Following a lightning strike last year that damaged the building’s air conditioning unit beyond repair, the State of Ohio, which owns the Bowling Green Community Center building, made the decision to rent mobile units during the summer months of operation, while not renting them during the fall/winter months. Their order was temporarily halted when the governor ordered gyms and fitness centers closed. The city does not expect a long delay as the process is again underway on the state level to acquire the unit.
All other internal policies and new procedures to meet state and CDC guidelines are ready and in place to help keep you safe upon your return to our facility. They can be viewed below and on our website at www.bgohio.org/parks.
Some changes have been made at the community center in order for us to comply with the State of Ohio mandatory guidelines.
Hours have been adjusted to allow staff time to deep clean the facility:
• Monday through Friday, from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
As patrons enter the building, they will be asked to follow some tips to navigate the building.
• Read and adhere to directions and guidelines on signs that are posted.
• There will be a separate entrance and exit for the facility that are clearly marked. Follow this flow while entering and exiting the building.
• Maintain social distancing at all times.
• The city highly recommends patrons wear a mask at all times while in the building except when working out. All BG Parks & Recreation staff will be required to wear a mask while working unless they are teaching a fitness class.
• Locker rooms are not permitted to be open at this time.
• Gym space is limited to fitness classes and Pickleball until further notice.
• We are unable to loan any equipment. Come prepared for your workout with your own equipment.
• Per state guidelines we are not permitted to have a lost and found, so double check that you have all of your personal belongings before you exit the building.
• Make sure that you swipe in when you arrive and out when you leave.
• Patrons are required to wash hands in the bottom floor restroom before going up to the fitness floor.
• The bottom floor restroom will be available to use and cleaned on a regular basis throughout the day.
In preparing to use the fitness floor please keep these tips in mind:
• One person at a time in the elevator.
• It is encouraged that you bring your own water bottle or buy a bottle of water from the front desk. Water fountains are closed except to use the water bottle filler.
• Per the State of Ohio guidelines there is to be no socializing or extracurricular activities. You must complete your work out and leave.
• Per State of Ohio guidelines fans will not be used.
• You will be required to take a towel and a spray bottle of disinfectant before going up to the fitness floor. Please clean equipment before and after each use. Spray bottles and towels must be returned to the front desk as you exit the facility.
• Max capacity for the fitness floor will be 55 people. Only 12 people allowed on the track at a time.
• Fitness equipment is staggered to maintain 6 feet social distance.
As you exit the Community Center:
• Remember to grab all of your belongings.
• Return your bottle of disinfectant and your towel.
• Wash your hands.
• Swipe out.
• Follow the signs to exit.
Additional helpful information:
• You may sign up for fitness classes through the Mindbody App, ask at the front desk for more information.
• We are unable to offer coffee at this time.
• Due to the fact that we are unable to meet the state guidelines for child care the KKC is not available.
• We encourage our vulnerable populations to work out between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Per recommended guidelines the vending machine has been removed.
• Come dressed and ready for your workout. Remember there are no locker rooms available.
• Pickleball rules, schedules and regulations will be announced soon.
• The expiration date of your pass has been extended by three months.
If you are unsure of any of the new protocols, ask a staff member.
