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COVID-19 Updates
Iredell County Recreation Center Operational Changes, effective April 19, 2021
Iredell County Parks & Recreation Department is continuing to evaluate local, state, and national guidelines in regards to Covid-19 and the phased reopening plan issued by the State. Our main priority is, and will continue to be, the health and safety of our patrons and staff.
The Iredell County Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce the following modifications in operations for the Iredell County Recreation Center, beginning Monday, April 19:
- Reservations are no longer required for the Fitness Center or Group Exercise classes. The capacity will be monitored and set to 40 people for the fitness floor and indoor group exercise. If capacity is reached, people that arrive during that time will be asked to come back at a different time.
- Monday through Friday, the Center will close for 30 minutes, at 11am and 3:30pm, to disinfect all commonly touched areas.
- The Recreation Center’s Saturday operating hours are 8am – 2pm, and will close from 11:30am-noon for disinfecting.
- Reservations are still required for basketball courts and the walking track. Basketball reservations are available for each half court, for individuals or households.
- Face masks (covering your nose and mouth) are still required indoors at all times, or outdoors if within 6 ft of others.
- Patrons are still asked to disinfect each piece of equipment after use (disinfection bottles provided).
We appreciate your understanding, patience, and cooperation!
For more information, contact the Iredell County Park and Recreation Department at 704-878-3103, or visit the website at www.iredellparksandrec.com.
March 5, 2021: Mask Mandate Clarification
Click the PDF documents below for specifics and clarification on the mask mandate for Youth Sports participation at Iredell County facilities
Face Mask Requirement Indoors
In order to help prevent the spread of COVID 19 and pursuant to Executive Order 180, effective 11/25/2020, people must wear face coverings while exercising indoors. See full link here: https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO180-Face-Coverings-Requirements.pdf
Effective Wednesday, November 25, 2020, employees and guests of the Iredell County Recreation Center must wear face coverings at all times, when they are inside the establishment, including during exercise. We understand that this change may be frustrating but we hope that each of you will help us maintain a compliant facility, while protecting our members and ourselves.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact Michelle Hepler, Parks and Recreation Director at 704-878-3107.
~The Iredell County Parks and Recreation Team
Please note, that while the courts are open, group activities that use shared equipment or that do not adhere to physical distancing are not permitted at this time. Individual practice, basketball shooting, etc are permitted if they follow the guidelines.
Phase 2.5- Athletics & Field Use Updates (PDF)
Phase 2.5- Recreation Center Updates
Iredell County Parks and Recreation
Phase 2.5 Operational changes, September 4, 2020
Iredell County Parks & Recreation Department is continuing to evaluate local, state, and national guidelines in regards to Covid-19 and the phased reopening plan issued by the State. Our main priority is, and will continue to be, the health and safety of our patrons and staff.
The Iredell County Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce the following changes in operations, based on the Governor’s Executive Order 163, effective September 4, 2020 at 5:00 pm.
- The Iredell County Recreation Center will open on September 8, 2020 with limited capacity and adjusted hours of operations. Reservations for workout sessions will be required.
- Playgrounds will open September 8, 2020. The playgrounds will not be sanitized regularly; therefore, it is highly recommended you follow the 3 W’s, as well as adhere to the outdoor mass gathering limits.
- Athletic field reservations for small group trainings, conditioning and practices will continue to be available. League organizers who intend to prepare for league play in sports that are on the CDC’s approved list of non-contact sports, are encouraged to initiate registrations and plan to begin play on October 2, 2020.
Currently, the following facilities and amenities are OPEN (with guidelines):
- Park Properties: Stumpy Creek Park, Stumpy Creek Boat Landing (fees charged), Scotts Rosenwald Park, Jennings Park, Bigleaf Slopes Park, East Iredell Lions Club Community Park
- Scotts Rosenwald Park and East Iredell Lions Club Park Community Buildings
- Park trails and walking paths
- Park open spaces and fields
- Park restrooms
- Playgrounds
- Disc Golf Course
Temporarily closed, with anticipated plans to re-open in Phase III
- Water Fountains
- Indoor Basketball courts for organized play
Detailed information regarding Recreation Center operations including hours of operations, reservation processes, field reservations, and more will be located on the Iredell County Parks and Recreation Webpage at www.iredellparksandrec.com.
The following information will remain in place:
General Considerations
- Physical distancing (6 ft minimum) should be observed in public
- Limit gatherings to less than 25 people indoors in Community Centers, and 50 people outdoors (maintain physical distancing). The capacity at the Recreation Center will be restricted based on the Executive Order 163. In order to achieve proper social distancing, we will admit nineteen people on the first floor fitness center and twenty-five people in the gymnasium.
- Face masks are required inside county buildings, unless participating in exercise
- Do not engage in activities that require physical or shared contact, or use of shared surfaces (such as sports equipment, etc.)
- Dispose of trash properly, or take it with you when you leave
- Use of park properties or amenities is considered “Use At Your Own Risk”. While there is mitigation guidance, social recommendations, and some sanitizing procedures in place, transmission can still occur
We appreciate your understanding, patience, and cooperation!
For more information, contact the Iredell County Park and Recreation Department at 704-878-3103
OPEN
Park Properties:
- Iredell County Recreation Center
- Stumpy Creek Park
- Stumpy Creek Boat Landing
- Scotts Rosenwald Park
- Jennings Park
- Bigleaf Slopes Park
- East Iredell Lions Club Community Park
- Community Buildings (at Scotts Rosenwald Park & East Iredell Lions Club Community Park)- Max 25 people
Playgrounds
Courts
Park Restrooms
Park Trails
Park Fields and Open Spaces (groups must have reservations and approval prior to use)
TEMPORARILY CLOSED
- Water Fountains
- Indoor Basketball Courts
- Travel Day Trips
- Athletic Leagues/Games (see Athletic Announcements for specific details)
Phase 2 Continuation - Athletics Announcement (PDF)
Updates Regarding Phase 1 Reopening Plans
Effective Monday, May 11, the Iredell County Parks & Recreation Department will be making the following changes, in accordance with allowances provided by the Phase 1 Implementation Plan issued by the State.
The following changes will apply:
- Park Restrooms and Water Fountains will reopen to the public
- Usage fees for the Stumpy Creek Boat Landing will be reinstated
The following information will remain in place:
General Considerations
- Physical distancing (6 ft minimum) should be observed in public.
- Limit gatherings to less than 10 people
- Face masks are recommended as much as possible.
- Do not engage in activities that require physical or shared contact, or use of shared surfaces (such as playgrounds, sports equipment, etc.
- Dispose of trash properly, or take it with you when you leave
- Please respect areas or amenities of the park that are not currently available for use (playgrounds, courts), and do not attempt to use these or remove signage/fencing
- Use of park properties or amenities is considered “Use At Your Own Risk”. While there is mitigation guidance, social recommendations, and sanitizing procedures in place, transmission can still occur.
- Interactions with public patrons and Iredell County staff will be by appointment only. We are not able to accept walk-in visitors at offices or buildings. Please contact the department or staff directly if you need assistance.
Open
- Park Properties: Stumpy Creek Park, Stumpy Creek Boat Landing (fees charged), Scotts Rosenwald Park, Jennings Park, Bigleaf Slopes Park, East Iredell Lions Club Community Park
- Park Trails
- Park open spaces and fields (no organized groups/teams, or groups larger than 10 people)
Temporarily Closed
- Facilities: Iredell County Recreation Center, Community Building (Scotts Rosenwald Park, East Iredell Lions Club)
- Amenities: Playgrounds, Courts
- Programs, Trips, Classes
- ICPRD will not be hosting in-person Summer Camps for the month of June. July has not been determined at this time. Take-home activity “Camp Kits” will be available for the month of June.
- Spring Sports and Athletic Leagues have been cancelled at this time
- Adult Day Trips are currently cancelled
- Group reservations for shelters or other park amenities are not permitted through the month of May
We appreciate your understanding, patience, and cooperation!
For more information, contact the Iredell County Park and Recreation Department at 704-878-3103.
Previous Iredell County Parks and Recreation Department Statements:
Iredell County Parks and Recreation Department cares deeply about the health of our communities, participants, members, and employees and we are keeping a close eye on the development, science, and all information available on the spread of the Corona Virus (COVID-19). Our intention is not to overreact from a position of undue fear or alarm, and we want to be pro-active and be responsive to help in any way we can. With that in mind, we join many other state and local agencies with suggested recommendations and mitigation guidance.
UPDATE 3/25/20:
Effective 8am on March 25, all Iredell County Park & Recreation PLAYGROUNDS, RESTROOMS, AND WATER FOUNTAINS ARE CLOSED until further notice, in an attempt to reduce the spread of Covid-19.
Our parks and trails are STILL OPEN at this time, although we still encourage the use of social distancing (6ft) while at these facilities!
UPDATE 3/23/20:
Per the Iredell County Manager, Beth Jones, effective at 12 noon on Monday, March 23, interactions with public patrons and Iredell County staff will be by appointment only. We are not able to accept walk-in visitors at offices or buildings.
Contact via phone or email is available and recommended. Please contact the department or staff directly if you need assistance, or you would like to arrange an appointment, if necessary.
UPDATED PRESS RELEASE 3/17/20:
LINK TO FULL PRESS RELEASE (Including Declaration of State of Emergency)
Specific to Iredell County Parks & Recreation:
The Iredell County Recreation Center will be closed to the public until further notice. Iredell County outdoor parks, playgrounds and restrooms will remain open but are on a use at your own risk basis. All programming offered by the Parks & Recreation Department including the Outdoor Education Center, Adult trips, youth athletic leagues, group exercise classes, group reservations, etc. have been halted through April 30, 2020.
3/12/20: In conjunction with the decision made by North Carolina Youth Soccer Association (NCYSA), North Carolina High School Athletic Association and Iredell-Statesville Schools, Iredell County Parks and Recreation Department has suspended all recreation based athletic sporting events. This includes soccer and baseball practices, games, and matches, as of 11:59 pm on Friday March 13, 2020.
Additionally, we will be postponing our already scheduled Senior Adult trips traveling to the South Carolina Zoo and NC Outer Banks. Our department will continue to monitor federal, state, and local health guidance regarding COVID-19 and keep you updated with any further decisions made.
The Iredell County Recreation Center and our parks will remain open unless we are directed otherwise by the NC DHHS or Iredell County Health Department. We continue to urge people / employees to be cautious, conscientious and diligent with hygiene and sanitation.
UPDATE 3/16/20: In addition to the decision made on March 12, 2020, to suspend athletics and senior trips, based on the most recent recommendations from the CDC, Iredell County Health Department, and Governor Cooper, we plan to cancel ALL PROGRAMS, CLASSES, GROUP RESERVATIONS, AND EVENTS THROUGH APRIL 30, 2020 EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. We will continue to monitor conditions and recommendations and keep citizens informed of changes.
At this time, we are taking extra measures to increase disinfecting of common areas so our parks and facilities can remain open, but urge citizens to follow mitigation guidance, including frequent hand washing, social distancing, staying home if you feel ill or sick, and taking extra precautions if you are in a high-risk category.
Thank you for your understanding and patience.
News Release from Iredell County Health Department:
Covid-19 Mitigation Guidance (PDF) March 2020
Recreation Staff Contacts
| Contact Person | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICPRD Phone- Main | Recreation Center Front Desk | 704-878-3103 | icprd@co.iredell.nc.us |
| Michelle Hepler | Director | 704-878-3107 | mhepler@co.iredell.nc.us |
| Jen Winters | Assistant Director | 704-878-3106 | jwinters@co.iredell.nc.us |
| James Huffman | Recreation Center Manager | 704-832-2360 | james.huffman@co.iredell.nc.us |
| Daniel Taylor | Athletic Programs Director | 704-878-3104 | daniel.taylor@co.iredell.nc.us |
| Katie Barr | Recreation Program Specialist (Youth & Outdoor Programs) |
704-832-2326 | katie.barr@co.iredell.nc.us |
| Haley Joyner | Recreation Program Specialist (General) | 704-838-1202 | haley.joyner@co.iredell.nc.us |
| Ronda Benfield | Recreation Center Assistant | 704-878-3103 | ronda.benfield@co.iredell.nc.us |
| Stacy McGlamery | Administrative Assistant | 704-878-3103 | stacy.mcglamery@co.iredell.nc.us |
| Marty Haneline | Field Maintenance Specialist | 704-878-3104 | marty.haneline@co.iredell.nc.us |
Keeping a Safe Social Distance on Parks & Trails (updated 3/18/20 via NRPA)
Iredell-Statesville School Statements
3/20/20: Coronavirus Update (PDF), includes campus closures for non-essential staff starting 3/23/20
3/16/20: Coronavirus Update (PDF), includes Spring Break extended through 3/20/20 and Remote Learning starting 3/23/20
3/12/20: In conjunction with the decision made by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) and Iredell County, Iredell-Statesville Schools administration has suspended all interscholastic athletics. This includes all middle and high school workouts, skill development, practices, and contests as well as all recreation based athletic sporting events on school properties as of 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2020. Our district will continue to monitor the federal, state, and local health guidance regarding COVID-19 and keep you updated with any further decisions that will be made.