Update: Feb 25, 2022

On February 9, Governor Pritzker announced plans to partially lift Illinois' indoor mask mandate as of February 28, assuming state COVID metrics continue to decline.

As the Crystal Lake Park District has done throughout the pandemic, we will adhere to State requirements by implementing a mask optional approach within Park District programs, events, and facilities for participants, visitors, and staff, effective Monday, February 28. Prior to that date, all participants, patrons, and employees must still wear face coverings inside Park District buildings. Mask usage is still required at Barlina House Preschool as we follow Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) licensing guidelines.


Despite many challenges over the past two years, the community has been responsible, respectful, and safe; adjusting, evolving, and adapting to the changing guidelines. As the Park District transitions to mask optional, our patrons are reminded and encouraged to continue to show respect and honor others' personal choices about whether or not to wear a mask at Park District programs, events, and facilities.

The Park District has been diligent in our efforts to follow the Governor's mandates and the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Illinois Department of Public Health, and local health officials, and retains the right to reinstate mitigation strategies should it become necessary.

Thank you for your ongoing patronage and continued patience and understanding as the Park District navigates these changes. As our procedures continue to evolve, we will share any potential procedure updates as quickly as it is safe and practical to do so. Please continue to refer to crystallakeparks.org/Covid-19 for the most current information and updates.

Update: July 29, 2021

On July 27, 2021, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) released revised COVID-19 guidance pertaining to face coverings. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has adopted the same guidelines and the Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA) recommends complying with the CDC and IDPH guidance. Moving forward until further notice, the following changes will be implemented at Crystal Lake Park District indoor programs and facilities:

1) All staff in indoor facilities will be required to wear face coverings in public spaces. In addition, if staff are in an office and proper 6 foot social distancing cannot take place, face coverings must be worn.

2) The CDC and IDPH have updated their face covering guidelines to recommend all individuals, including fully vaccinated individuals, wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission. As of July 28, 2021, McHenry County reached the level of substantial (level orange)transmission. Based on the updated guidance, the Crystal Lake Park District recommends that individuals who visit any indoor facility of the agency wear a face covering.

3) Guidance specific to certain program areas, particularly the K-12 age group has not changed. Guidance will be addressed individually by the Recreation Supervisor in charge of each area.

Update: May 25, 2021

If you are fully vaccinated, facial coverings are optional. By entering the facility and/or participating in programs without a face covering, you are verifying truthfully
that you have been fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated is defined as 14 days after the full course of an FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccination.
Please continue social distancing of at least 6 feet whenever possible. Facial coverings remain mandatory if you are not fully vaccinated.

For more information on the COVID-19 virus, please visit the following links:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

McHenry County Health Department (MCDH)

Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)

As always, your continued understanding, patience and support is valued and appreciated.