City recreation options are still up in the air

LAUREL — Summer recreation here prompted a special Laurel City Council meeting May 26.

The city voted to adopt documents sent by the League of Municipalities to protect the City of Laurel from liability after the parks and ball fields open. A date for that opening is yet to be determined, though.

Even with this decision to reopen playgrounds, there may be revisions to rules being crafted for the openings.

State guidelines for disinfecting these public places and suggestions from the CDC are all factors in the local regulations. Monday it was decided city employees

Monday it was decided city employees will sign off that the equipment has been sanitized. Signage will be posted about park use and procedures.

Councilman Keith Knudsen took part in a phone call with the League of Municipalities and Cline Williams law firm on what is needed to reopen recreation facilities.

The documents include release forms for coaches and players for the summer recreation program.

Mayor Mark Patefield said most coaches were going ahead to prepare for June 1 practices.

“We will also do our best to get going as soon as possible,’’ Patefield said of the city’s role in preparing for the June 1 opening date. Ballfield bathrooms will be disinfected every two hours. Concession stands will not be open.

The City Council also discussed limiting campers to the five cement pads. Previously, no forms have been required to camp. Knudsen said now would be the time to formalize the process for campers. The city will not allow camping until a new formalized process is developed.

Knudsen said he feels the council still has a lot of questions on how the city should proceed on a course of action for opening the swimming pool.

Patefield said the chance of getting the virus at the swimming pool does not involve a lot of risk due to ultraviolet rays, chlorine in the pool and making sure social distancing is practiced.

Eight lifeguards are on standby for employment at the pool pending city action on opening. Two individuals will be giving swimming lessons under the guidance of Star Smith. The bathhouse will be disinfected every hour. Individuals will most likely need to sign a release form to swim. Issues and procedures have yet to be fully addressed surrounding the pool.