Aug. 10, 2021 Update:
At this time, Franklin County has been ranked a high transmission area by the CDC. That means masks are recommended indoors and in crowded areas regardless of vaccination status. Franklin County Public Health has also issued a mask advisory until further notice recommending everyone wear a mask indoors and in crowded areas regardless of vaccine status to stop the spread of COVID-19 and the Delta variant. COVID-19 Resource Hub
Signage will be posted as a reminder. As we have done throughout the pandemic, we will continue to prioritize your quality of life by providing a clean and safe environment.
Original Update:
(Dublin, OH) — The City of Dublin’s Recreation Services division will make changes to its operations effective starting May 29, 2021. These updates will ensure a smooth transition into the summer season as the Dublin outdoor community pools open Saturday.
On May 12, Governor Mike DeWine announced that most public health orders would be lifted June 2, including face coverings protocols, social distancing guidelines, and capacity restrictions. On May 17, new health orders were released lifting restrictions on physical distancing and mask wearing for fully vaccinated individuals. The City’s Recreation Services staff developed a restart plan, which Dublin City Council approved Monday, May 24.
Returning to normal status for the DCRC and pools includes the removal of advanced sign-ups, scheduled time blocks, removal of the temperature checkpoint and related directional signage and stanchions. It also includes resuming normal rentals of the DCRC’s Tallas, classrooms and meeting rooms.
The Recreation Center will continue to emphasize COVID-19 prevention measures including maintaining physical distancing from others, continuing good hygiene habits and encouraging people to stay home if they do not feel well. Additionally, those who are not vaccinated are required to wear a mask while visiting the DCRC.
These operational changes are in accordance with public health guidance from the CDC and Ohio Department of Health. The efficacy rate of vaccines is promising, and the City of Dublin encourages all who are able and eligible to take the shot so that we can reach immunity for our community as quickly as possible.
“After more than a year, we are looking forward to returning to a ‘new normal’ status at the DCRC and outdoor pools,” said Director of Recreation Services Tracey Gee. “The Recreation Services team is working hard to provide a safe and fun experience for everyone. We look forward to welcoming our community back to the Rec!”
Maintaining Some COVID-19 Practices
For the safety and comfort of those who may be hesitant about returning to the DCRC or outdoor pools, staff will continue the following COVID-19 prevention measures.
- Each program area will maintain the cleaning and sanitization practices currently in place.
- Any patron who wishes to continue wearing masks will be welcome to do so.
- Unvaccinated individuals will be required to continue practicing COVID-19 prevention measures including physical distancing, washing hands and wearing a mask that covers the nose, mouth and chin.
- Some fitness equipment will remain spaced out in order to maintain physical distancing. Recreation staff will continue to evaluate the equipment usage and may move equipment to their regular locations at a later date.
Dublin Outdoor Community Pools
The City’s pool operations will return to normal on May 29. Operations standards that were in place in 2020 will not be in effect this season. Some changes include eliminating swimming time blocks, opening special features such as water slides, offering Guest of Resident daily passes for purchase as well as Annual pool passes for residents/school-district residents without limiting the number available.
Due to COVID-19 related shipping delays, the North Pool lounge furniture will not be available for opening weekend. Members and guests will need to bring their own chairs.
Ballantrae Community Park Spray Fountains
The spray fountains at Ballantrae Community Park will be fully operational this season and will open daily starting May 29.
Dublin Community Recreation Center
To align with the outdoor pool restart plan, the DCRC will also return to normal operations on May 29. All areas will return to normal status with the exception of the Subway sandwich shop. Other amenities such as full locker room access, including showers, will be available. Gymnasium equipment will be available for use and full court play will resume.
Land group fitness class patrons will continue to have the option to register online to secure their spot in advance. Advance registration is not required and passholders or guests will be able to drop in for classes until class capacity is reached.
The Teen Lounge will reopen at a later date using a pass reservation system during operating hours. The Senior Lounge will reopen June 3. During the pandemic, Dublin Community Senior Citizens have been very engaged in outdoor programming opportunities including Drive-Thru Bingo and Box Lunch Wednesdays. It is the DCRC’s goal to keep this high-risk group safe while also providing valuable programming to the community.
Abbey Theater of Dublin
Dublin’s local performing arts theater will shift from 25% capacity to 50% capacity on June 2. This will still allow for comfortable physical distancing in the theater while providing more opportunities for the Central Ohio community to enjoy a production at the Abbey.
Summer Camps
Summer Camps will maintain the current enrollment numbers and operational procedures. Campers are joined together in groups of 12 to 16 kids and a majority of campers are not yet eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. To remain in alignment with the CDC and Ohio Department of Health, camp staff will continue to enforce indoor mask use for campers and staff. When campers are outside and involved in vigorous activity or can maintain 6 feet apart, then face coverings will not be required. Recreation Services staff has received feedback from the majority of camp parents who have expressed relief that summer camps will continue following the COVID-19 prevention measures for this season.
Recreation Programming
Preschool, Youth, Teen, Adult and Senior recreation programming will return to normal enrollment numbers and operations on May 29 or at the beginning of their next enrollment cycle. Individual class protocols will be communicated by the instructor.
For more information, please visit DublinOhioUSA.gov/recreation-services or DublinOhioUSA.gov/pools, and follow the City of Dublin on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Nextdoor.
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Media Contact:
Shirley Blaine
Public Information Officer
614.230.4683 – Cell
614.410.4523 – Desk
sblaine@dublin.oh.us
Newsroom: http://dublinohiousa.gov/newsroom/
