Frequently Asked Questions:

ARE THE PARKS OPEN?

Our parks and trails are open – please use social distancing to enjoy dispersed recreation. Certain park amenities are closed, these include all playgrounds, sport courts, sports fields and other areas where group activities/sports typically occur.

ARE THE FACILITIES STAFFED DURING THE CLOSURE?

For the safety of our employees and to comply with social distancing best practices, our facilities are closed during the stay‐at‐home order. Our staff will have remote access to respond to phone calls, voicemail messages and emails 8:30am‐4:30pm, Monday – Friday. Please contact us at 815.939.1311 or info@kvpd.com.

HOW WILL PARKS BE MAINTAINED?

Our Maintenance Operations Staff continues to perform essential services such as mowing and trash collection in our parks during the Stay‐at‐Home order. The safety of our staff is a top priority. Staff members are working individually or in small crews to ensure proper social distancing is maintained while completing tasks. Personal protective equipment including masks, gloves, and disinfectant products are also available to our staff. We ask that you help our staff by minimizing the trash left in our parks. Please use the proper trash receptacles or carry out any litter during your visit including tissues, gloves, or pet waste.

WILL FACILITIES BE CLEANED DURING THE CLOSURE?

Yes, our Operations staff is also busy at work preparing our facilities for when we are able to welcomeyou back. Staff has accomplished the following during this Stay at Home period:
- Deep cleaned facilities
- Disinfected all surfaces
-Cleaned carpeted areas

WHEN DO YOU EXPECT TO REOPEN FACILITIES?

At this time, we are following state and local orders. We are hopeful that we will be able to safely reopen our office in June. All events and programming will be dependent on future modifications and restrictions as per the Governor’s Orders. Please continue to check our website for updates.

HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED OF FACILITY, PROGRAM, AND EVENT UPDATES?

Updates will be provided on the Park District website and Facebook pages.

HOW WILL I BE REFUNDED FOR CANCELLATIONS?

Refunds will automatically be processed for cancelled programs and events. You do not need to request a refund. We appreciate your patience as we work to process all refunds as quickly as possible. Refunds will go back to your original form of payment (cash payments will be refunded by check).

WHAT IS THE STATUS OF MY UPCOMING FACILITY OR PARK SHELTER RESERVATION?

Facility and park shelter reservations are cancelled through June. Watch our website for updates on reopening.

We are excited to move forward!

The Kankakee Valley Park District is excited for the reopening of some services and amenities under Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois Plan. We continue to adapt our plans and procedures to ensure the health and safety of our participants and staff. During Phase 3, the District will adhere to guidelines provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Park District Risk Management Agency, the Illinois Association of Park Districts and CDC recommendations.

We appreciate your support and patience as our team works quickly to implement the changes, requirements and training needed to begin Phase 3.  

ENSURING THE HEALTH & SAFETY OF OUR PARTICIPANTS & STAFF

Staff has spent the last several weeks developing plans and implementing modifications that will provide enriching summer experiences, while adhering to the guidelines provided by local health officials and the Restore Illinois Plan. Modifications will allow for:

• Reduced program sizes
• Increased distancing between participants
• Minimization of shared equipment
• Enhanced cleaning protocols & staff training
• Increased hand washings and access to hand sanitizer

IMPORTANT

PARKS, TRAILS & OTHER AMENITIES

In order to help maintain a healthy lifestyle, Parks and Trails REMAIN OPEN for walking, jogging, and biking provided social distancing guidelines are adhered to.

Tennis Courts REOPENED May 29 for socially distanced play. Doubles tennis are allowed in Phase 3 provided social distancing guidelines are adhered to.  

In Phase 3, all Sport Courts (basketball), Athletic Fields, and Ball Fields REOPENED May 29 provided social distancing guidelines are adhered to.

Playgrounds REMAIN CLOSED until further notice.

THE FOLLOWING ARE OPEN

• Tennis and Basketball courts
• Walking paths and trails
• Dog Park
• Fishing & Boating
• Camp Ground (by reservation)
• Picnic pavilions (by reservation)
• Athletic fields (permit is required – Skills & Drills only)
• Administration office Regular hours June 8th
• Boat Harbor & Launches

THE FOLLOWING ARE CLOSED

• Playgrounds
• Outdoor restrooms
• Facility rentals
• Rec Center
• Ice Valley
• Splash Valley (opening 2021)

No game play and no gatherings of more than 10.  Please maintain 30 feet of space from other groups.  Facilities and playgrounds remain closed

Beckman Boat Harbor restrooms are open with scheduled cleaning/sanitizing at 8 am, 11 am and 2 pm.  

Bird Park Administrative Office will reopen to the public starting June 8, 2020, Monday‐Friday 8:30am‐4:30pm.  Only 1 person will be allowed inside to conduct business.  Face coverings must be worn.  For those that do not wish to come in person, all business can be conducted by calling 815‐939‐1311.

AQUATICS UPDATE

After much consideration, discussion and evaluation, the District has determined that it is in the best interest of the community to not open Splash Valley for the 2020 season. The Board did not make this decision lightly.

The importance of reopening Splash Valley to the community is vast, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of visitors and staff is of the highest priority. Based on the guidelines and restrictions currently in place as well as those outlined in the next phase within the Governor’s Restore Illinois Plan, the facility could not be operated safely or practically.

In addition to the normal pool operations, the facility would need to comply with social distancing guidelines, gathering limits, and cleaning/disinfecting guidelines, many of which have yet to be fully developed for swimming pools. It is unclear how the pool would be able to open safely and effectively while complying to those strict limits and protocols issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and therefore the decision was made to remain closed.

DCEO GUIDELINES

https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/pages/restoreILP3.aspx

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No one knew we would be reconstructing Splash Valley during a pandemic. The board voted on May 11th with 4 ayes and 1 nay to suspend the opening of Splash Valley for the season.  

Our top concerns are the safety of our patrons and staff, and how to provide an aquatic experience this summer without compromising the health, safety and well being of all.  As of today, neither the Illinois department of public health nor the governor has given direction on how pools will be impacted this summer or a timeline as to when we can expect the lifting of pool restrictions.  The Kankakee Valley Park District has not received the required IDPH Facility License to date due to construction.  When the governor enacted the order of March 21st,2020, it was stated by IDPH they will not be issuing any license until the governor’s orders are lifted.  

Challenges and restrictions pose a problem for all aspects of aquatics. Decreased bather loads, patrons on deck, increase cleaning, no deckchairs, social distancing in lines (for the slides), concession or no concessions, limited locker room usage, 6 feet apart?  We currently must comply with social distancing, size limitations and cleaning/disinfecting guidelines.  Knowing that our work force will be significantly decreased due to health concerns and safety as well as their position responsibilities go further than just life-threatening situations, now they must also focus their attention and eyes away from the water (their zone) to number of patrons in the facility and water, patrons on deck, social distancing issues, lines at the slides, continual and constant cleaning/sanitizing, etc.  

The length of the current stay-at-home order with restrictions on group activities, the lead time necessary for the proper training of our staff, and the time necessary to achieve maintenance standards has led the district to the disappointing conclusion that we cannot safely open Splash Valley to the community this summer.  It is unclear how the Park District could open and comply with the strict limits on gatherings and other safety protocols issued by the Center for Disease Control and the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The decision of the Board of Commissioners was made is in the best interest of the Park District and the community as a whole.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kankakee Valley Park District will not be opening Splash Valley for the 2020 swim season.  We look forward to an aquatic season of fun in 2021.  

On Thursday, April 23, Governor JB Pritzker announced an extension to the Illinois Stay‐at‐Home Order through May 30, 2020. In accordance with the order, all Park District programs and events are cancelled, and all facilities and playgrounds (including all outdoor basketball, tennis and pickleball courts, and sports fields) will continue to remain closed through May 30. Per the Executive Order, Beckman Boat Harbor can and will open May 1. Visit the governor’s website or IDNR for information on new guidelines and modifications.

The best way we can prevent the spread of illness is to stay home, limit public outings to essential services, and maintain a six‐foot distance from others. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, our parks and trails remain open for you to enjoy walking, hiking, running, or biking while in compliance with social distancing guidelines.

Please do your part by practicing social distancing. Please note that for the health and safety of our community, the following activities are prohibited under the Stay‐at‐Home Order:
- Gathering in groups, inside or outside
- Playing sports, contact or no‐contact
- Walking or exercising closer than six feet from others who are not in your household

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this unprecedented time. We hope you and your family remain well and we look forward to welcoming our community back as soon as possible.

The Park District will continue to evaluate the ongoing situation and keep you informed as decisions are made.

KVPD

Governor Pritzker’s COVID-19 stay-at-home order has been extended; all Kankakee Valley Park District facilities will remain closed.   The parks will remain open for walking, running, and biking. We ask that anyone attending a park location follow the CDC social distancing guidelines.  

Ice Valley, the Rec Center, River Road Sports Complex, baseball, football and soccer fields, campgrounds, rental facilities & pavilion swill remain closed to the public.  The boat harbor will open as planned.  Our staff is arranging curb side pickup for those who have registered for their dock space.   Please adhere to social distancing and the restriction of no more than 2 people to a boat.  Signs at the harbor will be posted.  

Fishing will continue to be allowed at Bird Park Quarry providing fishermen adhere to social distancing.  Fishing is allowed only in designated areas such as the north end of the quarry and the fishing pier at the south end.  We do not allow fishing from the banks of the quarry and ask that you continue to follow this rule for your own safety.  

We currently have reduced staff and schedules of our grounds crew.  They are taking care of essential park maintenance only at this time.  

We will continue to closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation carefully and the Park District is committed to following the state’s updated policy on social gatherings to continue to help slow and stop the spread of the virus.

In a time like this, it is important to get out and get fresh air.  If you choose to enjoy our parks, the Park District reminds you to follow CDC guidelines which calls for social distancing.

In the meantime, please follow us on social media:  Visit Facebook for a variety of Do-It-Yourself at home activities to keep having fun.  

During this time, if you should need to contact us, please visit www.kvpd.com and click on the “Contact” button on the top of the homepage.  We will strive to respond to your inquiries within 24-48 hours during normal business hours, Monday – Friday; 8:30 am to 4:30pm.  You may also leave a message for us by calling our main phone number at 815-939-1311.

Fors pecific cancellations on pavilions, facilities, or special events,please contact us at 815.939.1311 or via email:  info@kvpd.com.

Stay well.

On March 11, 2020 the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) was declared a pandemic.  This pandemic is unprecedented. Our decisions are made for our whole community.  These are critical decisions to assist in saving lives, the health of ALL our residents, and to comply with the governor’s orders.

Executive order 2020-10 (5) Leaving the home for essential activities is permitted. For purposes of this Executive Order, individuals may leave their residence only to perform any of the following Essential Activities:
C.  For outdoor activity. To engage in outdoor activity, provided the individuals comply with Social Distancing Requirements, as defined below, such as, by way of example and without limitation, walking, hiking, running, or biking.Individuals may go to public parks and open outdoor recreation areas. However,playgrounds may increase spread of COVID-19, and therefore shall be closed.
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Leaving the home for essential activities is permitted. For purposes of this Executive Order, individuals may leave their residence only to perform any of the following Essential Activities:
C.  For outdoor activity. To engage in outdoor activity, provided the individuals comply with Social Distancing Requirements, as defined below, such as, by way of example and without limitation, walking, hiking, running, or biking. Individuals may go to public parks and open outdoor recreation areas. However,playgrounds may increase spread of COVID-19, and therefore shall be closed.

Per Dr. Ezike, Illinois Department of Public Health, scientists,and other medical professionals, Covid-19 germs do NOT pick a particular race,nationality, religion, origin of sex, age, or zip code.  No one is immune. Therefore, for the safety and welfare of ALL our community members, we have closed ALL our basketball,tennis courts, and playgrounds until further notice.  There is no such thing as entitlement.  

Even though the weather may be warmer, we want you to get outside, exercise and enjoy the fresh air to enjoy a walk, run, bike or fishing, you must comply with social distancing.  If the district continues to have gatherings and social distancing issues, we will be forced to close our parks and fishing. Once again, this may be a drastic measure, but this is drastic times.  We work very closely and partner with the City of Kankakee, the police department, fire department and public officials for the betterment of our community.  They support us and will be assisting us in the enforcement of the closures and social distancing.

While our decisions may not settle well with some and unpopular, it is ultimately for the safety of our community as a whole and to aid in the process of slowing the virus down.  Each and every community member lives are precious, do not take the things we dearly love for granted. We do not want to lose a family member, neighbor, friend, or loved one to the invisible virus.  It is an unnecessary loss of life

Due to Governor Pritzker’s COVID-19 stay-at-home order, all Kankakee Valley Park District facilities will now be closed until further notice.  The parks will remain open for walking, running, and biking. We ask that anyone attending a park location follow the CDC social distancing guidelines as follows:

•Use personal hygiene prior to heading out — wash hands, carry hand sanitizer.
•Do not head out if you have symptoms, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, etc.
•Observe social distancing of at least six feet from others even when walking, hiking or biking.
•Warn other users of your presence and as you pass. Signal your presence with your voice, bell or horn.
•Note that public restrooms are closed — be prepared before you leave as well as when planning your park visit.
•Bring water or drinks — There are no public drinking fountains
•Bring a suitable trash bag. Leave no trash, take everything out to protect park workers.

We are committed to the health and safety of our community and thank you for your continued patience and understanding. For more information about COVID-19, visit the cdc.gov website.
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Please be advised that People are not honoring, respecting nor following the social distancing rule therefore we are forced to close the Kankakee Valley Park District Basketball Courts and Tennis Courts.  We have repeatedly requested and reminded our community of the importance of the governors shelter in place and social distancing.  

It is our sincere regret that this has to happen as this is a last resort to assist our community in staying safe and healthy in addition to following the governor's orders of shelter in place.
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Kankakee Valley Park District continues to temporarily suspend all operations and has closed all facilities, playgrounds, and outdoor fitness equipment until April 7, 2020, with the exception of essential services (baseline maintenance of parks and facilities) in support of Governor Pritzker’s efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus.  

We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation carefully and the Park District is committed to following the state’s updated policy on social gatherings to help slow the spread of the virus.

In a time like this, it is important to get out and get fresh air.  Our parks will remain open to take walks, exercise, and fish per the stay-at-home order issued Friday, March 20, 2020. If you choose to enjoy our parks, the Park District reminds you to follow CDC guidelines which calls for social distancing. The playgrounds are closed until further notice by order of Governor Pritzker's Executive Order 2020-10.

In the meantime, please follow us on social media:  visit Facebook for a variety of Do-It-Yourself at home activities to keep having fun and to stay fit.  

During this time, if you should need to contact us, please visit www.kvpd.com and click on the “Contact” button on the top of the homepage.  We will strive to respond to your inquiries within 24-48 hours during normal business hours, Monday – Friday; 8:30am to 4:30pm.  You may also leave a message for us by calling our main phone number at 815-939-1311.

Keep watch for the Summer Brochure as we will be offering something for everyone!  We look forward to returning to serving you and your family as soon as possible.

Wishing you good health.

Friday March 20th, Governor Pritzker issued a new Executive Order 2020-10 requiring all Illinoisans to stay at home
(with exceptions) from Saturday March 21, 2020 5:00 pm through April 7,2020.

The directive prohibits any gathering larger than 10 people per the CDC. It includes residents from socializing in-person with people outside their homes, even small parties and casual gatherings should not take place.While this is a stay at home order, you may enjoy outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, running or biking and may go to public parks and open outdoor recreation areas providing you comply with the Social Distancing Requirements of maintaining a distance of 6 feet as defined in the order.

Per Illinois Executive Order 2020-10, all district playgrounds are closed to public use until further notice.

Our first and most important responsibility is to safeguard the health and well-being of our community members, participants and staff. To that end, we will continue to follow the guidance and direct recommendations from our Illinois Health Department and the CDC when considering any cancellations or closures. We will continue to keep in close
touch with this department.
Our administrative team has had many conversations on how we will react if or when the virus touches our community. While continuing to do our best to be proactive- including and even greater intensity of daily cleaning of our facilities, there may be situations that will do warrant difficult decisions.Once again, in these cases, our primary concern is the safety and well-being of participants and staff, supported by the latest recommendations and directives from
our public health officials.
With all of the schools closing and increased measures throughout the country to proactively limit the spread of the coronavirus, balanced with the CDC’s recommendations regarding social distancing, and not yet social isolation,
the Kankakee Valley Park District will be closed to the public until April 5th.
All programs (outdoor and indoor) have been canceled until further notice. Our parks, trails, walking paths and boat launches remain open. Please practice social distancing. While not mandatory but highly recommended
remain 6 feet away and with 10 or less people.

Precautions:
Please stay at home when you are sick.
Please keep your children at home if they are sick.
Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Other Recommendations:
• Please cancel all non-essential meetings.
• Additional cleaning and sanitizing must continue to take place
• Practice social distancing whenever possible
• Limit personal interaction as much as possible.

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. We gather all of the facts available to us. We follow the direction provided to us. We use our best judgment to provide appropriate service while protecting you, your families and the dedicated staff of the Kankakee Valley Park District.

Stay well.
KVPD

Due to the current Covid-19 situation, mandates and recommendations from the state,Illinois Public Health Department and CDC all our facilities will be closed through March 30th. This includes the Bird Park Administration Office, Rec Center & Ice Valley Centre. The Board Meeting for March 23rd has been cancelled. 

All administration staff are telecommuting and therefore can return your calls for any future business questions or concerns.  Our Maintenance Department staff will be working on a reduced schedule.

Please leave your name, phone number and nature of your call.  We will call you back.  Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. 

Stay well. KVPD

The health and safety of our patrons is our number one priority and this decision was made to help support the CDC’s recommendation of social distancing. 

 Kankakee Valley Park District's Civic Auditorium, Ice Valley and Rec Center will be closed from Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 22. Kankakee Valley Park District administration facility will be open at this time.  Refunds will automatically be given for missed programs and facility rentals during this closure. 

We are closing as a public health precaution, response to the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health(IDPH) to avoid crowds in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. The Park District will continue to assess conditions and notify the community when programs and operations resume. Information will be emailed and posted to our website and Facebook pages.

We encourage everyone to follow the CDC and Illinois Department of Public Health websites for more news and information.

If you have any questions, please email info@kvpd.org or call (815) 939-1311.

The Health and Safety of our community members is of the utmost importance to us. There are currently no active
and/or confirmed cases in Kankakee County however, we have spoken with and will continue to closely monitor information and updates from the KCHD, DPH and the CDC on the situation with the COVID-19 virus.   
At this time our programs, classes and events are still taking place as planned. 

In following the standard recommendations from the CDC and other sources named, we have posted signage in our facilities, recommend staff and patrons stay home if feeling ill, and are following the CDC cleaning guidelines.  

More information regarding the COVID-19 can be found at:  
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- Kankakee County Health Department (KCHD) – https://www.kankakeehealth.org/
- Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)     – http://www.dph.illinois.gov/
Center for Disease Control (CDC) – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html