By RICHIE HALL
The closing down of Indiana due to the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in some unusual sights around the state this spring.
Probably the most unusual of all would be that of Grand Park in Westfield sitting empty. The facility normally has an event going on every day, whether it be small youth baseball and softball games to massive soccer tournaments with teams from across the country.
But there is a small step about to be taken. Grand Park and the City of Westfield have set up Westfield Family Play, which Grand Park Director William Knox said will be an opportunity “to give Westfield residents a chance to stretch their legs” and benefit from the campus.
The first Westfield Family Play is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, and then will take place every Tuesday and Thursday for the next few weeks. The Family Play times are from noon to 7 p.m. Times and dates are always subject to change, so Westfield residents are encouraged to check often. Information is available at grandpark.org/family, and on the City of Westfield and Grand Park social media accounts.
FOLLOWING GUIDELINES
While Grand Park is ready to re-open – and people are just as ready to return – there will obviously be social distancing and other guidelines in effect.
There will be limits to field access, and that will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. On-site registration is available and it will be hands-free. The Grand Park website said that families must check in at Lot C to allow the facility to track the number on on-site visitors and make sure that families are indeed practicing social distancing.
“They won’t come in contact with other families,” said Knox. He said there will be designated areas in the park where families come in one way and go out another way so they won’t intermingle with other families.
Restrooms and concession stands will be closed, so families should bring their own water and snacks. They should also bring their own equipment as well, such as balls, Frisbees and kites.
“We will not have any actual equipment out for families,” said Knox. “We want to be very cautious about them having touch points when they’re on campus.”
Also, equipment would have to be sanitized after each use, which is something the facility wants to avoid.
Westfield Family Play is part of a plan to re-open the campus “slowly and safely,” said Vicki Duncan Gardner, Communications Director of the City of Westfield. Knox said that in accordance with Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb’s plan to re-open the state, Grand Park is looking at launching small activities and practices again on Sunday, May 24, with actual leagues beginning play on June 14.
May 23 and 24 are the scheduled dates when the state will move into Stage 3 of the Governor’s five-stage plan to re-open Indiana. The state is currently in Stage 2, which limits social gatherings to 25 people or fewer. Phase 3 will move that number up to 100 people or fewer.
“We’re going to evaluate those as we get close to the date, because we want to maximize the opportunities for our families,” said Knox. “We’re going to do it smart.” Again, families are advised to check the Grand Park website as those tentative re-opening dates get closer.
Once the calendar gets to June 14, Grand Park plans to start its leagues with modified tournaments, but again using the current guidelines in place. In addition, Knox said that the campus will be employing all of its sanitation practices. Fields will be sanitized on a weekly basis.
“That process was more monthly in the past,” said Knox. “All the touch points, we will be wiping them down post events. We’ve got kick plates on the bathroom doors. We’re looking long-term to automate a lot of our facilities in our restrooms as well.”
Spectators will be asked to do their past as well, with Grand Park encouraging all campus visitors to follow whatever guidelines their sport is recommending. The staff at Grand Park will be wearing masks and gloves at all times.
“We’re going to encourage spectators to do the same, but that’ll be at their discretion,” said Knox.
As always, be sure to check the Grand Park website for the most up-to-date information.