Waupaca postpones decision on summer rec programs
By Angie Landsverk
The beach at Waupaca’s South Park will remain closed during Waupaca County’s public health order.
“We may look at opening it after the county order ends,” said Parks and Recreation Director Andrew Whitman.
The city typically opens its beach on Memorial Day weekend.
Under the county order, mass gatherings are set at a maximum of 50 people.
This includes public and private gatherings held inside or outside.
The order is in effect until June 15.
Whitman said a decision about opening the beach will be based on whether other restrictions are put in place after that order expires.
Waupaca County Public Health issued the order on May 14.
It requires that businesses follow the reopening guidelines developed by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The order took effect a day after the state Supreme Court overturned the extension of the Safer at Home order.
That order was set to expire at 8 a.m. Tuesday, May 26.
After the May 13 ruling and subsequent county action, the city opened its playgrounds, as well as the skate park at Swan Park.
“After the ruling decision, we took the signs down the next day,” Whitman said.
However, he cautions that the city does not have the ability to keep playground equipment sanitized.
“Keep this in mind as you choose to use, or not use the equipment,” he said.
The city has also made the batting cages at Swan Park available for use.
A few batting cage nets had already been put up, and the rest were going to be, Whitman said.
Social distancing recommended
“We recommend everyone follow the county, WEDC guidelines for social distancing,” he said. “We want to provide opportunities for families and people to use them.”
Whitman said the move is not an indication of any programs beginning.
“We just want people to have opportunities in our parks, but to be safe about it,” he said.
The city has postponed starting the majority of its spring and summer programs.
That follows the Wisconsin Department of Health Services recommendation to postpone or cancel all youth sporting events planned for spring and summer.
A few city programs have been canceled, including the first session of swimming lessons at South Park’s beach.
Whitman said the first session was scheduled to begin on Monday, June 15.
The city has started the process of hiring lifeguards, with more discussion about summer programs set to occur in June.
Also canceled was the After Summer School Adventure Program due to summer school being virtual, he said.
In addition, the children’s garden was canceled after the Master Gardeners canceled its programs for the summer, Whitman said.
He is working individually with those who have shelter reservations in the parks.
“We’re looking to open those once were able to open facilities like the rec center and library,” Whitman said.
The city has hired some of its parks crew.
That is to keep up with mowing in the parks and cemetery.
It was also in anticipation of opening restrooms by Memorial Day weekend.
Whitman said the restrooms will be cleaned two times a day.
The plan is to currently have them open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The restrooms are usually open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Whitman said signs will be posted on all the park restrooms about the hours and cleaning procedures.
“So we’re hiring a few parks crew and will look to hire lifeguards if we’re able to get going on June 16,” he said.
No smoking in parks
Whitman also reminds those who visit Waupaca’s parks about the new ordinance the common council approved last November.
The ordinance bans smoking and the use of e-cigarettes in city parks, as well as on the River Ridge Trail system, city square and Waupaca Recreation Center green space and parking lots.
The signage in the parks went up this spring.