The City of St. Cloud will open its parks on Thursday, taking an extra couple of days to put up signage with CDC guidelines for social distancing and safe use, city officials said at a media briefing Wednesday.
Playgrounds remain closed, and City Manager Bill Sturgeon said the city is still working on strategies for opening pools and other watersports activities.
Mayor Nathan Blackwell shared that the city’s state of emergency declaration has been extended through next week. On Monday, May 11, The first floor of Building A of City Hall will be open for permitting and utility customer service operations; patrons must wear a mask and utilize social distancing. The remaining city offices and operations will open in future phases as soon as safely practical.
City summer camps canceled through the month of June. Any who has already paid can request a refund at parksandrecreation@stcloud.org.
“Every choice has been evaluated to ensure the impact on the community is minimized,” Blackwell said. “I am glad to see that some of our city’s small businesses have been able to re-open, but please follow the governor’s and CDC guidelines and wear face coverings when social distancing is not practical.
“Be patient and selfless as we continue to follow guidelines laid out by government and Osceola County planning group. This guidelines are for the safety and health of everyone. Be safe and gracious and connected to family and friends through digital means. Encourage one other, we will continue to get through this together.”