By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
In a normal year, the Wood County Park District brings in about $100,000 from rental of park facilities.
In the last 10 months, that revenue has run dry.
“It’s a hit to us, for sure,” said Neil Munger, director of the park district.
But more important than the revenue, is the health of park patrons, Munger said.
“It would be a little irresponsible of us” to open park facilities for rentals when Wood County and much of the state are still in Level 3 for COVID-19.
On Tuesday, the Wood County Park District’s board agreed to continue canceling rental reservations through March.
“We have been – with most of the state – at Level 3,” Munger said. “It’s difficult to warrant opening our facilities.”
Board member Tom Myers suggested that when the county hits Level 2, then the park board can discuss opening its rental facilities.
Board member Denny Parish recommended that the park district send a letter to people who have rentals reserved through July, notifying them that the reservations may have to be canceled.
“At least put them on notice,” Parish said. “As long as we’re in red, we aren’t going to have rentals.”
The park board also approved a policy for facility rentals once they open. Renters will have to sign a COVID supplemental agreement requiring them to:
- Practice social distancing of 6 feet between people in the facilities, porches, deck areas and on the grounds.
- Wear face coverings except when actively eating or drinking.
- Keep tables and chairs at least 6 feet apart. Tables and chairs will be prearranged by the park district, and cannot be moved or added to during an event.
- Not exceed the maximum of 60 people in facilities at Otsego Park and W.W. Knight Preserve. Both buildings normally hold 120 people.
- Family members from the same household should share a table to the fullest extent possible.
- Not allow buffet dining. Food must be served by people wearing masks and gloves.
- Use the cleaning supplies provided by the park district to clean high-contact surfaces hourly.
- Not permit dance floors or areas for congregating. All guests must remain seated during the event.
- No one with COVID symptoms – including cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell – will be allowed to enter.
- Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in the immediate termination of an event, forfeiture of deposit, and may result in being banned from future rental of park district facilities.
