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1. What is Parks and Recreation's COVID-19 Policy and Guidelines?

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 throughout the duration of all recreation activities. 

Prior to each program, participants will receive important information via email that will inform on what to bring and what to be prepared for. Activities may be modified in some way. Participants should read the program description thoroughly, review the requirements/format, and then decide on their comfort level prior to enrolling.

Fall 2021 Things to Know - COVID 19

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

The Parks and Recreation Main Office is not open to the public at this time. 

The office will be open to public visitors by appointment only. Please call 301-600-2936 to make an appointment.

We advise that you call our office at 301-600-2936 or email parksandrecreation@frederickcountymd.gov if you have questions or concerns. 

3. 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 are 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 to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances that cannot be rescheduled, participants will receive a pro-rated refund for the number of day(s) missed.

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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 or email parksandrecreation@frederickcountymd.gov

4. What facilities are open?

Indoor Facility Rentals/Reservations:

Catoctin Creek Nature Center, Fountain Rock Nature Center, and Rose Hill Museum Visitation:

• Face coverings required at all times. 
• Physical distancing of six (6) feet should be maintained at all times. 
• Capacity and group size restrictions, if applicable, will be posted on-site.

Catoctin Creek Nature Center

Fountain Rock Nature Center

Rose Hill Museum

Ballenger Creek Community Building

Browning Building

Athletic Field Reservations:

Athletic fields, are currently open to normal use through the permit process. If you have a question regarding your organization’s field usage, you may contact the field scheduling office at tstarick@frederickcountymd.gov. 

Park Shelter Rentals:

Park shelter reservations are currently open. Those with reservations must ensure all current State and Local COVID-19 Regulations and Protocols are followed.

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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 or email parksandrecreation@frederickcountymd.gov

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

County parks are open. 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 physical distancing and for protecting your personal health and enjoy your next visit.

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. 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?

The Division of Parks and Recreation will complete staff and participant health screenings prior to the start of 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.

8. 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.

9. 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, 8 am – 4 pm at 301-600-2936.