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1. What hours is your Main Office (355 Montevue Lane) open?

The Parks and Recreation Main Office is not open at this time. We advise that you call our office at 301-600-2936 if you have and questions or concerns.

2. What is your refund policy as it relates to COVID-19?

Our office will be issuing credits for all cancelled classes, programs and rentals/reservations affected by the COVID-19 situation. 

Impacts to Recreation Classes/Camps/Activities:  

Spring Season: Due to the situation surrounding COVID-19, all spring session recreation programs have been cancelled. Participants who were enrolled in a spring program that was cancelled have been issued a full credit and may: 1) use it to transfer to a summer or fall program; 2) request a refund; or 3) leave it on account for future use. 

Summer Season: Recreation programming and activities will be limited this summer due to the public health situation. Participants who are enrolled in a summer program that is cancelled will be issued a full credit and may: 1) use it to transfer to a summer or fall program; 2) request a refund; or 3) leave it on account for future use. 

Traditional Indoor/Outdoor, Full-Day, Summer Day Camps have been cancelled. An updated menu of outdoor-based recreation programs is planned to begin on and after July 13th. The updated Summer Recreation Activity Menu will be open for viewing or enrollment on Monday, June 22nd at 9:00am. You can enroll online or by calling 301-600-2936 during normal business hours. Note – Enrollment is limited and all state/local protocols regarding COVID-19 spread suppression will be in effect during these activities.

Indoor Facility Rentals/Reservations/Tours/Usage:

Rose Hill Manor Children’s Museum, Fountain Rock Nature Center, and Recreation Centers (FCPS Park-Schools) remain closed until further notice. Customers that had/have a reservation that is cancelled will receive a full credit. The permit holder will receive a receipt via email. If you would like to reschedule your reservation, or receive a refund, please contact our main office at 301-600-2936.

Catoctin Creek Nature Center will be open to the public, at 50% capacity, beginning July 18. Birthday Parties and group tours are closed for reservations until further notice. The Nature Center hours of operation will be Thursdays to Saturdays 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Sundays 12:00-5:00 pm.

Ballenger Creek Community Building and the Browning Building at Pinecliff Park are closed to future reservations until further notice. Existing reservations, those on and after June 29^th, will require adherence to 50% capacity and the state/local physical distancing protocols at that time.

Athletic Field Reservations:

All athletic fields, both natural grass and synthetic surfaces, are closed to user groups/organizations through June 30th. Organizations with athletic field reservations that have been cancelled due to field closures will receive credits to their accounts (if applicable). Beginning July 1^st, athletic fields will be open to modified use through the permit process. Users will be required to adhere to the Return to Play protocols listed at www.recreater.com/covidreturntoplay. There is a new Special Request Form that needs to be completed prior to approved use. If you have a question regarding your organization’s field usage you may contact the field scheduling office at tstarick@frederickcountymd.gov. NOTE: Recreation Center/Park-School, FCPS fields are closed until further notice. If you have reservations at one of our Recreation Center-School Fields, you will be unable to use those fields until further notice.

Park Shelter Rentals:

Through June 28th have been cancelled due to COVID-19. Customers will receive a full credit issued to the permit holder. The permit holder will receive a receipt via email. If you would like to reschedule your rental or receive a refund, please contact our main office at 301-600-2936. 

Park shelter reservations are currently open for any reservation dates that take place on or after July 1^st. All new shelter reservations taken for dates in July and August will be required to adhere to 50% capacity and the state/local physical distancing protocols at that time. There is a new Special Request Form required that must be completed prior to an approved reservation at www.recreater.com/covidreturntoparks. 

Rec Sports Leagues 

All spring season leagues have been cancelled. Participants who were enrolled in a spring league that was cancelled have been issued a full credit and may: 1) use it to transfer to a summer or fall program; 2) request a refund; or 3) leave it on account for future use. You are encouraged to check our website regarding summer & fall sports leagues operated by the Department of Recreation. For Sports/League questions, please contact Keith Tapley at ktapley@frederickcountymd.gov or 301-600-1784.

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For more information regarding the impacts of COVID-19 on parks and recreation, or your customer accounts, please call our Main Office at 301-600-2936.

3. Are the parks and playgrounds open? What can I expect to be open in the parks?

Currently, County parks are open with modified hours of sunrise to sunset. Some facilities and/or amenities inside those parks may have limited or no access to the public. Playgrounds are now open to public use however physical distancing must be adhered to. Water fountains and restrooms will open July 1st. 

Visiting a park is a good way to improve mental health, relieve stress and exercise, things we especially need right now. So, follow the guidelines for social distancing and for protecting your personal health and enjoy your next visit.

4. What major recreation events are going to be affected?

The following events have been rescheduled:

• Superhero Training Day (April 18) at Walkersville Rec Center will now be held on (September 19)

The events listed below have been cancelled and will not be rescheduled:

• Annual Threshing Days (August 1-2) at Rose Hill Manor Park
• WWII Days and Antique Car Show at Rose Hill Manor Park (Aug 15-16)
• Mighty Tykes/Kids Triathlon at Ballenger Creek Park (Aug 15) 

Due to the continually evolving public health situation, further events may be cancelled. If they are cancelled, our office will post a notice to our webpage and Facebook, to update the public.

5. Will Parks & Recreation know if a participant has been exposed or contracted COVID-19 and will programs close if someone is believed to have been exposed?

Frederick County Health Department (FCHD) will be in charge of care and direction for isolation of individuals that have been diagnosed with COVID-19. The County will work directly with the FCHD and take further directions from them if this arises. The best source of information for COVID-19 related concerns is http://health.frederickcountymd.gov/

6. Are you providing disinfectant/hand sanitizer to park visitors?

No. A good portion of your safety relies on you, since any public facility is only as clean as the last person who touched it. The Frederick County Health Department has a web page devoted to COVID-19 updates and resources, including videos on good hygiene measures to protect yourself. http://health.frederickcountymd.gov/

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at a time.
• Avoid touching your face. Clean surfaces you touch regularly.
• If you’re sick with any ailment, stay home. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• When in public, maintain a social distance of at least six feet.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it away. If you don’t have a tissue, use your elbow.

7. How can I submit a comment to Parks & Recreation Supervisors/Managers?

Please email parksandrecreation@frederickcountymd.gov and include the best way to contact you should the appropriate personnel need more information.

8. Who should I contact if I have additional questions?

If you have specific questions regarding the Parks and Recreation Division, their policies, and practices, please call the Parks and Recreation main office Monday through Friday, 7:30am – 4:30pm at 301-600-2936.

9. How safe is it to participate in one of the recreation activities that are open to enrollment in July and August?

The safety and wellness of our participants and staff are of primary importance to us. Recreation Staff and Activity Leaders/Coaches will be following best practices and current state/local protocols for outdoor activities throughout the duration of all recreation programs. Prior to each program participants will receive important information via email that will inform on what to bring and what to be prepared for. All activities offered this summer will be modified in some way. Participants should read the program description thoroughly and review the requirements/format and then decide on their comfort level prior to enrolling.