Effective June 26, 2020, new DCEO guidance governs various recreation activities during “Phase 4” of Illinois’ reopening plan. This includes guidance for indoor and outdoor recreation, youth and recreational sports, golf, tennis, health and fitness centers, and day camps. The Illinois Department of Public Health also issued long-awaited Phase 4 swimming guidance on the same day, while DCEO advised the Illinois Association of Park Districts that while indoor playgrounds must remain closed, local governments have discretion to open outdoor playgrounds subject to a 50-person capacity limit and other applicable IDPH guidance.
Highlights from the most-recent recreation guidelines are summarized below.
Indoor and Outdoor Recreation
Under the guidelines, a non-exhaustive list of indoor and outdoor recreation facilities may open, including arcades, ice skating rinks, and driving ranges. Amusement parks, trampoline parks, and indoor playgrounds should remain closed. Among other things, permitted indoor and outdoor recreation facilities should:
  • Display signage at entry with face covering requirements, social distancing guidelines, cleaning protocols, and any reduced capacity limit.
  • Ensure at least 6-ft. between any stations for individual recreation activities.
  • Configure locker rooms and showers with signage, tape, and other markings to ensure members can maintain 6-ft. of social distance.
  • Operate at the lesser of 50 customers or 50% of capacity.
  • Limit group sizes to 50 people and only allow multiple groups at once if: