Operations Update May 21

Thu May 21, 2020

Dear Residents,

With all the uncertainty, summer 2020 is going to be much different than previous summers in our community. The Restore Illinois Five Phase Plan issued by Governor Pritzker’s Office is the plan directing how we move forward based on science and data surrounding the fluid COVID-19 virus situation.  We wanted to provide you with this brief update on summer at the Crystal Lake Park District. 

Beaches and Boat Rental

•The opening of the beach at Main Beach is on hold until further notice

•West Beach will not open for the 2020 summer 

•Public Beach operations are included in Phase 4: Revitalization which could occur in early July

•Main Beach Park will be open - The beach area and playground will remain closed per the Governor’s Executive Order and have been fenced off due to the start of the “swim season”

•Boat rentals will be available in the near future 

•Boat launches will remain open for those with boat launch gate keys 

Camps

The 'traditional' day camp programs that many children have enjoyed through the Crystal Lake Park District will not be offered this summer. Instead, the Crystal Lake Park District has been working to create an alternate camp program that can exist within the guidelines of Phase 3: Recovery. 

•Under Phase 3, summer programs can open in the following manner:

• Using approved IDPH safety guidelines
• Groups of 10 or fewer
• Social distancing guidelines in place 

•Locations, staffing, activities and timelines are still being developed to determine if camps of this nature are possible. 

•Due to preparations and staff training, the earliest start of the alternate camp program would be early July.

Programs and Facilities

Regular summer program offerings will be in our digital brochure that can be found at crystallakeparks.org beginning Fri, May 22.  As we progress through the Phases, facilities such as The Racket Club, Nature Center, and Golf Learning Center will begin to open following IDPH guidelines.

Please know that we are closely monitoring the situation daily.  We are working hard to be able to bring you the summer programs we all enjoy given the major changes to our operations due to COVID-19. 

The value recreation provides a community is beneficial to one’s quality of life and even more so during this challenge. The Crystal Lake Park District’s ability to deliver services as usual is not possible.  As the Crystal Lake Park District navigates through the COVID-19 situation, we greatly appreciate the community’s continued patience.

Be safe, be well, and please enjoy your parks, trails and services that are available!!

Jason Herbster, CPRP

Executive Director