Show All Answers

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. 

If a participant is unable to continue in a program due to illness or exposure related to Covid-19, they will receive a credit that is pro-rated based on the number of days that is missed of said program(s). The participant may request a refund of the credit via email at parksandrecreation@frederickcountymd.gov or by calling the Central Office at 301-600-2936.

For any cancelled day(s) of a program due inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances that cannot be rescheduled, participants will receive a pro-rated refund for the number of day(s) missed.

Impacts to Recreation Classes/Camps/Activities: 

If a participant is unable to continue in a program due to illness or exposure related to Covid-19, they will receive a credit that is pro-rated based on the number of days that is missed of said program(s). The participant may request a refund of the credit via email at parksandrecreation@frederickcountymd.gov or by calling the Central Office at 301-600-2936.

For any cancelled day(s) of a program due inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances that cannot be rescheduled, participants will receive a pro-rated credit for the number of day(s) missed.

Participants may: 1) use the credit to transfer to a summer or fall program; 2) request a refund; or 3) leave it on account for future use.

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 is open to the public, at 50% capacity. Birthday Parties and group tours are closed for reservations until further notice. The Nature Center hours of operation are 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:

Athletic fields are 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:

Park shelter reservations are currently open. All new shelter reservations taken through December 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 

Fall sports leagues operated by the Department of Recreation are running as scheduled. For Sports/League questions, please contact Keith Tapley at ktapley@frederickcountymd.gov or 301-600-1784.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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. 

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. 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?

Division of Parks and Recreation will complete staff and participant health screenings and temperature checks upon arrival to a program.

If a participant or staff member exhibits symptoms during a program, they should immediately be isolated and sent home or to a health care facility depending on the severity of the symptoms. They will not be allowed to return to the program until they have met the CDC criteria to discontinue home isolation. Anyone in close contact with a person exhibiting symptoms will not be able to attend the program. The best source of information for COVID-19 related concerns is http://health.frederickcountymd.gov/

In the event of a COVID-19 transmission confirmation or investigation, the Division of Parks and Recreation will follow protocol within the COVID-19 Contact Tracing Document . We will contact the Health Department and follow their direction.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. How safe is it to participate in one of the recreation activities that are open to enrollment in Summer and Fall?

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 and fall 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.

For more information on our enhanced program policies and procedures, please check out the following:

• Summer and Fall Enhanced Policies and Procedures
• Fall League Enhanced Policies and Procedures