Government COVID-19 Bulletins
Village of Buffalo Grove State of Illinois Centers For Disease Control
June 13, 2022
February 24, 2022
As everyone is aware, Governor Pritzker announced on February 9 that he would lift the state’s mask mandate for most indoor public spaces on February 28, while keeping the mask mandate in place in schools for several additional weeks. At this time, no further information or guidance has been issued, and the expectation of masks for Park District programming in schools is still unclear because of legal and legislative actions. Therefore, the Buffalo Grove Park District is preparing to align their procedures with the Governor’s announcement, while being cognizant that additional information and/or restrictions may also be issued.
Beginning, Monday, February 28, masks will be optional at Buffalo Grove Park District programs, events and facilities for employees, participants and members. However, a few select programs have additional restrictions. Program supervisors have already notified those participants with that information.
We are grateful for our residents’ and patrons’ support and understanding. As with all things during COVID-19, the District is also prepared to institute additional procedures if the state announces any additional requirements for public spaces. If that happens, we will be sure to inform you immediately on the changes.
The state’s full press release can be found here.
January 4, 2022
The Cook County Department of Public Health recently issued a new COVID-19 vaccine directive that went into effect on January 3. This order requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination for all individuals 19 and older to enter specific businesses and facilities in Cook County, including fitness and recreation centers. Masks are also still required.
Because the Buffalo Grove Park District is partially in Cook County, and partially in Lake County, this mandate currently only applies to our facilities and programs in Cook County, which includes the Alcott Center, Emmerich Park, Cooper Middle School, Longfellow School, and Kilmer School.
The following are exempt from proof of vaccination requirements:
- Participants 18 years of age or younger.
- Youth and adults participating in special recreation activities.
- Spectators of indoor sporting events, provided that no food or drink is being served, and that they remain masked at all times.
The Buffalo Grove Park District understands that some of our participants may or may not agree with Cook County’s requirements; however, as a local unit of government within Cook County, we have no choice but to comply with their mandate. If you would like to share your opinions on the mandate, we suggest you contact Cook County directly at healthycook@cookcountyhhs.org.
We know our services are essential to the physical, mental and emotional health and wellness of our community; and, we want to do everything we can to keep services and programming open and operating in a safe and legally compliant manner.
Additional Information
According to the requirements, fully vaccinated is defined as:
- Two weeks after the second dose in a 2-dose series with approved COVID-19 vaccine, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
- Two weeks after a single-dose series with an approved COVID-19 vaccine, such as Johnson and Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.
Acceptable forms of proof of vaccination includes:
- A CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card.
- An official immunization record from the jurisdiction, state, or country where the vaccine was administered.
- An app that provides a digital record of vaccinations.
- A digital or physical photo of such a card or record that includes the individual’s name, the vaccine brand administered, and the date the vaccination was administered.
Please note: The Cook County Order does not currently allow for a negative COVID-19 test in place of vaccination, except for individuals who have previously received a medical exemption, as long as the individual provides proof of the medical exemption and a COVID-19 test administered by a medical professional within the last 24 hours prior to entering a business covered by the Order. Exemptions will be handled at info@bgparks.org.
If you have any questions, you can contact us info@bgparks.org.
August 30, 2021
Governor Pritzker has mandated that face coverings must be worn inside all buildings, regardless of vaccination status.
June 11, 2021
Now that we have moved into phase 5, with no additional limitations on facility occupancy, reservations are no longer being taken at the Spray ‘N Play and Willow Stream Pool.
May 19, 2021
With the CDC’s updated guidelines, combined with Governor Pritzker’s most recent executive order relaxing mask requirements for vaccinated individuals, the Buffalo Grove Park District has implemented the following mask requirements for all programs, events and indoor facilities until further notice, effective Thursday, May 20:
- Individuals who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear a mask indoors in common areas of Park District facilities, such as lobbies, hallways and bathrooms.
- Anyone not fully vaccinated is still required to wear a mask inside of any Park District facility.
- Even if you are fully vaccinated, anyone in a program area that includes people 11 years old and younger is required to wear a mask.
- The general public is not required to wear masks outdoors on Park District property; however, social distancing is still recommended.
- Park District staff will not be requiring proof of vaccination from any member of the public.
Please note: Fully vaccinated means that you have received your final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days ago.
May 10, 2021
With the update in resugence mitigation to being in the bridge phase to pahse 5, all water fountains have been turned back on.
January 19, 2021
With the update in resugence mitigation to tier 2, the Raupp Museum has been reopened.
December 1, 2020
Due to clarification in tier 3 resurgence mitigation, the Golf Dome has been reopened. Online reservations are required before entering the building.
November 20, 2020
Due to our region returning to tier 3 resurgence mitigation, beginning tomorrow, November 21, the Raupp Museum will be closed until further notice.
November 19, 2020
Due to our region returning to tier 3 resurgence mitigation, the Golf Dome will be closed until further notice.
November 18, 2020
Starting on Friday, November 20, Governor Pritzker and the State of Illinois are implementing new mitigation requirements for fitness centers. To be clear, the Fitness Center is not closing, and we will continue our current hours of operation.
The new tier 3 mitigations that the Governor is putting in place are:
- No indoor group classes
- Face coverings must be worn at all times, including while engaged in individual exercise, regardless of the person or machine spacing
- Locker rooms should be closed
- Operate at no more than 25% capacity
- Reservations required
Our online reservation system will change to allow members to reserve a block of time in the either the AM or PM, and be able to show up at any time during that block. The AM block is from 5 am – 12 pm; and, and the PM block is from 12 – 9 pm.
We will continue to offer the following:
- The lap pool and indoor track will remain open.
- Personal and reformer training will remain available.
- Many live group exercise classes will be held outdoors, as weather permits. Virtual group exercise classes are also available.
- Pickleball will be available; but, face coverings must be worn during play.
The Illinois tier 3 mitigation plan is available here for your review. If you have any questions about the changes we’ve made, or your membership, please contact fcbilling@bgfitness.org.
June 29, 2020
As of today, Monday, June 29, all Buffalo Grove Park District indoor facilities have been reopened with limited hours, except for the Fitness Center, which will open next Monday, July 6, and the Community Arts Center, which will open on July 13.
Until further notice, the Alcott Center front desk will be open to the public on weekdays from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm, and closed on weekends. Please note that while the building is open for registration, permit applications, and certain programs, such as day camp, regularly scheduled daily adult activities like cards, knitting, Bingo, Bunco, and other drop-in programs will not resume until further notice.
When visiting any indoor Park District facility, you must wear a facemask at all times, and maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from other people. The only time a facemask may be removed while inside a facility is during an exercise class, and while maintaining a distance of at least 10 feet from anyone.
With the exception of Willow Stream Pool and the Spray ‘N Play, all outdoor facilities and amenities, including playgrounds are open. Please note: Playgrounds and other outdoor amenities are not regularly cleaned or sanitized; therefore, anyone who uses them does so at their own risk. To reduce the chances of spreading viruses, we recommend wearing a facemask, and using hand sanitizer and washing hands before and after every use.
June 26, 2020
Playgrounds Reopening
We have received word from the Illinois Association of Park Districts that although the governor’s new executive order is silent on the use of outdoor playgrounds, they have received official guidance from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity that says,” units of local government are provided the discretion to determine if outdoor playgrounds can open; the playground should be limited to no more than 50 persons at the playground and following all other applicable Illinois Department of Public Health guidance.”
Buffalo Grove Park District personnel are currently removing the caution tape that has been placed on the playground equipment throughout the community. For safety reasons, please do not use any playground equipment until the caution tape has been removed; and, please do not take it upon yourself to remove any caution tape. Please also maintain social distancing; and, we recommend wearing a facemask if other people are also using the playground.
Facilities Reopening
Buffalo Grove Park District facilities will be reopening Monday, June 29, with the exception of the Fitness Center, which will reopen the following Monday, July 6.
June 17, 2020
We have reopened the outdoor basketball and volleyball courts.
June 4, 2020
Now that we have entered into phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan, we have reopened some facilities and park amenities, including the skate park and inline rink at Mike Rylko Community Park, and the Raupp Museum, with limited access. During phase 3, the museum is limited to no more than 10 guests in the building at a time. Reservations are being accepted for a maximum of 90 minutes, and can be scheduled by calling 847.850.2135, or emailing museum@bgparks.org. A facemask is required at all times while inside the museum; and, people who do not reside in the same household are expected to maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet apart at all times.
While the Fitness Center remains closed for normal operations during phase 3, the facility is able to allow for one-on-one personal training sessions inside the building. Anyone who is interested in scheduling a personal training session, or signing up for virtual online exercise classes, can visit the Fitness Center webpage.
Amenities that remain closed include all playgrounds, and all outdoor basketball and volleyball courts.
May 22, 2020
The Happy Tails Dog Park has been reopened.
May 13, 2020
All tennis and pickleball courts, and the disc golf courses have been reopened with restrictions. Please use them safely, which includes wearing a mask if you are playing doubles; and, make sure to practice social distancing. Playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts, the skate park, inline rink, and the Happy Tails Dog Park remain closed indefinitely.
April 25, 2020
With this week’s updated executive order from Governor Pritzker, and the extension of the stay at home order to continue through May 30, all Buffalo Grove Park District facilities will remain closed, and all programs will remain canceled through May 30. As a reminder, all playgrounds, sports courts, the skate park, inline rink, dog park and disc golf courses are closed, and not to be used by anyone. If you have any questions, please email us at info@bgparks.org.
April 3, 2020
Please do your part to help keep the entire community safe and healthy. While we encourage everyone to go outside to get some fresh air and remain active, we want people to do so in a safe manner. Do not use any playgrounds, sports courts or disc golf courses; they are closed and deemed unlawful to use by the governor’s executive order. And, while soccer fields, baseball diamonds and other large outdoor areas are open, please make sure you use them responsibly. It is perfectly fine for a family to go outside to kick a soccer ball around together, as long as they are practicing social distancing, and live in the same household. What is not acceptable is for people to be gathering in groups, and closely interacting with others that are not part of their immediate household. We thank you for your cooperation in helping the entire Buffalo Grove community to stay safe and healthy during this time. For more information and updates, please visit our Coronavirus Information page on our website at https://www.bgparks.org/information/covid-19-information/.
April 1, 2020
With today’s updated executive order from Governor Pritzker, and the extension of the stay at home order to continue through April 30, all Buffalo Grove Park District facilities will remain closed, and all programs will remain canceled through April 30. We have added the disc golf courses to the list of closed amenities within the parks. As a reminder, all playgrounds, sports courts, the skate park, inline rink, dog park and disc golf courses are closed, and not to be used by anyone. If you have any questions, please email us at info@bgparks.org.
March 25, 2020
In addition to the playgrounds that were already closed, per the governor’s March 20 executive order, the decision was made to also close the Happy Tails Dog Park, the skate park, the inline rink, and all sports courts. This includes all tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts, and volleyball courts. These closures will remain in effect at least through April 7, and possibly beyond if the order is extended by the governor.
In the meantime, the parks and paths are open for people to walk, jog, bike, and walk their dogs. Please remember to practice social distancing; and, we appreciate everyone’s cooperation by staying off of playgrounds, and other outdoor areas that are closed.
March 23, 2020
The decision was made to cancel the Night Owl Egg Hunt on April 6, the Arts and Crafts Fair on April 11, the Bunny Bash on April 11, and the Senior Expo on April 28. Even if the Governor’s stay at home executive order is lifted on April 7, bringing large groups of people together that soon will not be advised.
March 20, 2020
With today’s update from Governor Pritzker, issuing a new executive order requiring all Illinoisans to stay at home beginning Saturday, March 21 at 5 pm through April 7, we are closing all playgrounds. The order specifically states that individuals may leave their residence to engage in outdoor activity, such as walking, hiking, running or biking, and may go to public parks and open outdoor recreation areas if they comply with the Social Distancing Requirements defined in the order; but, playgrounds must be closed. We appreciate the community’s voluntary compliance with this mandate from the Governor, so that we all can do our part in limiting the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
March 18, 2020
With all programs being cancelled, and all facilities being closed, there has been some question as to whether the parks are open to the public. The parks are still open; however, everyone should remain at a distance from other people, and we advise against touching anything, including (but not limited to) playground and exercise equipment, picnic tables, doors, gates, or any other surfaces.
March 16, 2020
With today’s change in the CDC’s recommendations regarding mass gatherings – to cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States – the Buffalo Grove Park District has decided to now close all facilities effective Tuesday, March 17. The Fitness Center and Golf Dome will remain open through the end of Monday’s regularly scheduled hours, but will not reopen to the public beginning Tuesday, March 17.
We are planning on being shut down at least through Sunday, March 29; however, that could be extended longer. As those decisions are made, we will publicize those updates through our normal communication channels.
For those who are registered in programs, or have a membership at the Fitness Center, you do not need to do anything. You will not have to pay for any missed or canceled programs, or days in which the Fitness Center is not available. Refunds or account credits will unilaterally be issued by the Park District; however, because this a manual process that is being conducted on a huge scale, please allow at least 30 days for these to be processed to all necessary accounts.
Precautions
Continue to follow CDC recommendations
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Other Recommendations
- Additional cleanings and sanitizing must continue.
- Cancel non-essential meetings.
- Practice social distancing.
- Limit personal interactions as much as possible.
Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of participants and staff, supported by the latest recommendations and directives from public health officials. We will continue to monitor this situation, and keep our staff and participants informed of any new information as it develops.
Thank you for your cooperation.
March 11, 2020
The speed with which the coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread, and the uncertainty that still surrounds it, has made for an unprecedented situation. While there are no confirmed cases among our staff or participants that have been in our buildings, the rapid spread of the disease makes it likely that we will be impacted at some point. In light of this reality, we want to share with you some of the issues our administrative team has been discussing.
Who informs our decision making?
We will continue to look to the experts in this area for guidance in addressing the coronavirus outbreak. This includes local, state and federal health departments.
What if someone has COVID-19?
If we become aware that a participant or staff member has been diagnosed with COVID-19, we will notify the Lake and Cook County Health Departments, our staff and participants. We also will share if and/or how the classes, programs and facilities may be impacted. Notifications for participants, parents and staff will occur in the same way that we would announce other emergency closures, using a combination of phone calls, emails and website/social media announcements.
Canceling Programs, Events or Facilities
Our first and most important responsibility is to safeguard the health and well-being of our participants and staff. To that end, we will follow the guidance and direct recommendations from County Health Departments and the Center for Disease Control when considering any cancellations or closures. At this time, our public health officials have not recommended nor directed us to cancel or reschedule programs or events, or to close facilities.
The administrative team has had conversations on how we will react if or when the virus touches our community. While we have tried our best to be proactive – including an even greater intensity to daily and nightly cleaning of our buildings – there may be situations and circumstances that make for difficult decisions. Once again, in those cases, our primary concern is the safety and well-being of participants and staff, supported by the latest recommendations and directives from public health officials. In the meantime, we would like to remind you of these basic steps that everyone should be taking to minimize the spread of this and any respiratory illness:
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
We will continue to monitor this situation, and keep our staff and participants informed of any new information as it develops. If you have specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
