As communities begin to see reductions in virus transmission, local park and recreation professionals are developing plans for reopening spaces, facilities and programs impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Agencies should adhere to all federal, state and local guidance, including meeting a set of outlined indicators and gating criteria prior to implementing a phased approach that prioritizes public health and safety when reopening. Park and recreation professionals should recognize that phased reopening plans will not be an immediate return to normal operations, rather, they should include additional mitigation measures to maintain states of low to no community transmission.

Agencies should consider in their plans how they will support adherence to CDC’s personal protective guidance, including recommendations on physical distancing, wearing face coverings where physical distancing is challenging, encouraging proper hygiene, etc. Plans should also identify further mitigation and control measures that can be adjusted as the situation changes as well as incorporate communication procedures and emergency response.

1. Creation of a Cross-Sector Recovery Team

2. Meeting Essential Public Health Indicators

3. Assessing the Risk of Spaces, Facilities and Programs

4. Centering Health Equity in Recovery Efforts

5. Phased Reopening Planning – Gradually Restoring Operations to Protect Public Health

6. Specific Guidance for Common Park and Recreation Spaces, Facilities and Programs

7. Developing a Communications Plan

8. Staff Training and Measures to Protect Staff and Public

9. Cleaning and Disinfection Practices

10. Managing a Positive Case of COVID-19

11. Securing Financial Support

12. Supporting Vaccine Efforts

13. Resource Database – National and Local Reopening Resources