Phase Two Reopening: Farmers Market Updates Guidelines; Park Playgrounds and Amenities Open June 19
Friday, June 12, 2020 -- The Recreation and Parks Department announces two updates for Phase Two of Governor Northam's reopening plan.
Farmers Market Guidelines
The "to go" format has been working well since it reopened on March 28, providing the essentials of fresh food and produce. In an effort to keep shoppers, producers, and employees at the market as safe as possible during Phase Two, additional guidelines have been adopted and posted to the website, www.fallschurchva.gov/FM. These will be ine ffect starting Saturday, June 13.
One change is that although browsing is now allowed, it is discouraged. Customers are strongly encouraged to pre-order their purchases. Customers are not permitted to touch any items for sale other than the prepackaged bag or box they are handed by the producer. No one with a fever or symptoms of COVID-19, or known exposure to a COVID-19 case in the prior 14 days, is permitted in the farmers market.
Park Playgrounds and Amenities Open Friday, June 19
The City of Falls Church Recreation and Parks Department will open all remaining amenities to the public on Friday, June 19, as the region moves into Phase Two of Governor Northam’s Forward Virginia reopening plan.
Individuals who use the equipment do so at their own risk. The Recreation and Parks Department does not sanitize park equipment. It is impossible for crews to disinfect park equipment and furnishings in a manner that totally eradicates the potential spread of COVID-19. The safest ways to avoid COVID-19 are to:
Stay Home: Phase Two of the Governor's reopening plan emphasizes that you are Safer At Home.
Wash Your Hands: Wash or sanitize frequently and avoid touching shared surfaces.
Cover Your Face and Maintain Your Space: Wear a face covering or mask and stay at least 6 feet away from others.
The openings and some specific guidelines include:
Athletic Fields – Athletic fields will open for individual use by the community. Organized use by Recreation and Parks sponsored or permitted programs will follow governor’s and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines pertaining to use of athletic fields. As always, fields will close for inclement weather. All users must obey field closed signs when on display.
Basketball Courts, Volleyball court and Skate Park – Facilities will open, but users must stay 10 feet apart.
Playgrounds – Playgrounds in City parks will open. There is no special cleaning; visitors should use at their own risk and must adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Picnic Shelters – Picnic shelters will open; visitors should use at their own risk and must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Rentals for picnic shelters are not being accepted at this time.
The Community Center remains closed to the public, but will open on June 22 for Summer Fun camp program registrants only. Bathrooms are not available to the public.
Tennis courts are open by reservation for City residents; visit www.fallschurchva.gov/Tennis to make a reservation and read the guidelines and restrictions.
All openings are based on CDC guidelines, state mandates, and guidance from local health officials.
