Rules provided for use of Carthage parks, golf course during COVID-19 emergency

(From Carthage Parks and Recreation)

The health and wellness of our patrons and staff is always a top priority at Carthage, MO Parks and Recreation.

To follow the recent CDC’s (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines and in accordance with its recommendation that large events and mass gatherings organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 10 people or more throughout the United States, Carthage Parks is implementing the following: 

Fair Acres, Carter Park, Kellogg Lake, Griggs Park, Central Park, Freer Park, Walnut Bottoms and Municipal Park- - 

-All bathrooms are closed to the public. 

- All Playgrounds are closed to the public. 

- All Shelters are closed to the public. 

- All sport courts and fields are closed to the public for close contact team/group activities. Organized / spontaneous team play prohibited. 

- All organized activities are postponed. 

- Municipal Park Roller Skating Rink Closed - 

Food Truck Friday is cancelled until further notice. 

Carthage Golf Course – Open for play through the normal tee time procedures. We will be CLOSED on Mondays until further notice. Events will be restricted through 4/30/20. Events originally scheduled in April will be rescheduled to a later date when determined appropriate to host events. 

The clubhouse/proshop will be closed to the public. Payments will be taken through an access point on the west side of the building. Golf carts will be thoroughly disinfected prior to and after golfer use. Golf carts will be used by one player only. Water coolers will be taken off the course. We ask that you leave the flagsticks in the cups. Cups will have a plastic insert that will allow the ball to rest close to the surface of the green to pick up. There will be no holes cut on the practice green. Player must practice social distancing and not congregate prior to or after play in groups of 10 or more. 

Memorial Hall is closed beginning 3/19/20 through 4/19/2020. Memorial Hall Supervisor Melanie Blizzard will be available by phone to handle all actions needed for the facility. Events through April have been cancelled or postponed. 

The Civil War Museum will be closed beginning 3/19/20 through 4/19/2020. 

The Park Department offices will be closed to the public beginning 3/19/20 through 4/19/20. 

Mark Peterson, Director and Kailey Williams, Administrative Assistant will be available by phone for the public during regular office hours. Carthage Parks will be accessible to the public for normal personal outdoor recreation use in open spaces and on trails. 

In light of COVID-19, Carthage Parks and Recreation Department is urging anyone who visits a park to observe recommendations from public health officials and avoid gathering in groups of more than ten in parks and on trails. 

In addition, residents should avoid touching surfaces including playground equipment, benches, bathroom door handles, and other sports equipment that are handled by others. 

The following must be observed in all of the parks 

– Subject to change without notice as situation develops. 

• Limit all gatherings in Carthage Parks to 10 or less participants. 

• Refrain from using parks or trails if you are exhibiting symptoms. 

• Observe CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of 6 feet from other individuals at all times. If this is not possible, users should find an alternate location or depart that space. 

We will continue to monitor all events that could affect these timelines and actions. We will adopt appropriate actions when information determines additional assessment. 

Mark Peterson, Carthage Parks & Recreation Director