Updated 11-19-20
The safety of residents and patrons is the St. Charles Park District’s first priority.
Updates will be provided regularly on this web page for current information regarding COVID-19 restrictions. Thanks for your patience and understanding during this unpredictable and ever-changing time.
Based on the guidelines provided by the CDC, IDPH and DCEO as part of the governor’s Restore Illinois Plan, outlined below are the District’s operational procedures for facilities, park amenities and programs.
Restore Illinois Plan
Tier 3 Resurgence Mitigations: click here
Effective November 20, 2020
OPEN
- Sports & Fitness Centers
- Virtual Recreation Programs
- Parks & Playgrounds
- Outdoor Group Activities (gatherings of 10 people or fewer)
- Outdoor Organized Sports Practices (gatherings of 10 people or fewer)
- Indoor Individual Sports Training
Face masks must be worn at all times in all facilities. Maintain physical distancing of 6 feet. Please remember to practice good hygiene, sanitize hands appropriately and stay home if you’re not feeling well.
CLOSED
- Indoor Recreation Programs
- Indoor Fitness Classes and Health & Wellness Programs
- Group Rentals (meetings, social events & gatherings)
- Indoor Group Sports
Facilities
| Baker Community Center | Open • For uses & restrictions: click here |
| STC Underground Teen Center | Open • For uses & restrictions: click here |
| Pottawatomie Community Center | Open • For uses & restrictions: click here |
| Norris Recreation Center | Open • For uses & restrictions: click here |
| Haines Gymnasium | Open • For uses & restrictions: click here |
| Sportsplex | Open • For uses & restrictions: click here |
| Hickory Knolls Discovery Center | Open • For uses & restrictions: click here |
| Primrose Farm | Open • For uses & restrictions: click here |
| Pottawatomie Golf Course | Open • For uses & restrictions: click here |
- Otter Cove Aquatic Park
- Otter Cove Splash Park
- Swanson Pool
- River View Miniature Golf Course
- Paddlewheel Riverboats
Outdoor Park Amenities
Assume gates, fences and and equipment have not been disinfected. There is no practical way for staff to maintain a constant state of sanitation. Additional rules may be posted. Please follow all sign instructions on site. Follow carry in/carry out Leave No Trace trash etiquette.
| Athletic Fields | Open |
| Basketball Courts | Open |
| Boat Launch | Open |
| Disc Golf | Open (Closed December thru February) |
| Dog Parks | Open |
| Drinking Fountains | Closed: Bring your own water bottle |
| Fitness Stations | Open |
| Garden Plots | Closed for the season |
| Pavilion Rentals | Closed for the season; 2021 rental info: click here |
| Pickleball Courts | Open (Closed December thru February) |
| Playgrounds | Open |
| Restrooms | Closed for the season — Mt. St. Mary Park’s family restroom is OPEN! |
| Sand Volleyball | Closed for the season |
| Skate Parks | Open (Closed December thru February) |
| Tennis Courts | Open (Closed December thru February) |
| Winter Activities | More details: click here — For up-to-date operations: click here |
Programs
All indoor programs are either cancelled, paused or will be offered virtually.
Registered participants will receive emails with specific activity details.
For new and exciting virtual programs, check out eActivities and Facebook.
Outdoor programs that can meet the new restrictions of 10 participants max are allowed.
Events Still Accepting Registrations
- Letter from the North Pole – Nov 23-Dec 9 • More details: click here
- NEW: Santa’s Dinner Dash – Dec 4 & 12 • More details: click here
- NEW: Gingerbread House Creations – Pick Up Only • More details: click here
- NEW: Holiday Lights Tour – Register by Dec 9; Tour guide available Dec 10 • More details: click here
Athletic Leagues
Associate agreement indoor usage activities including practices, drills, scrimmages, games and competitions are not permitted at this time. Individual training allowed by reservation only.
Birthday Parties
Not permitted at this time.
Preschool
Preschool at Pottawatomie Community Center and Hickory Knolls Discovery Center is running virtually with modifications. More details: click here
Before & After School Care
Due to Community Unit School District 303 moving to a full remote format, Before the Bell and Baker Station are not available at this time. For those families interested in a child care service for remote learners, please consider STC Remote, a study hall format for small groups of children. For students in grades 6-12, please check out STC Underground Teen Center.
Refunds
The St. Charles Park District will waive processing or administrative fees and refund any deposits for programs or rentals postponed due to COVID-19.
If you or a family member has registered for a program that has been cancelled, the Park District will credit your household account. This credit can be used at a later date. If you would like to request a refund, please email Registration Supervisor Cori Hedlund: chedlund@stcparks.org.
Preventative Steps
Along with other local agencies, the Park District is proactively taking measures to help reduce the spread of illness throughout the St. Charles community.
The CDC has advised taking these common sense precautions is the best approach to adopt such as:
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or with your sleeve.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60-95% alcohol if washing your hands with soap and water is not an option.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects in your home such as TV remotes, cell phones and computers.
Helpful Links
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Illinois Department of Public Health (IDHP)
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO)