O’Hara has begun a phased reopening of its parks with baseball fields and other low-volume areas first to welcome back visitors.
Though walking was permitted on township trails the last few months, council shut down parks and fields to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Township manager Julie Jakubec said the plan for reopening the recreation areas follows a system to provide park space while addressing the still lingering covid-19 pandemic.
The focus is on user safety, she said.
Picnic shelter rentals are not yet being scheduled. However, low-touch areas are the first to open, with rules that are to be followed by every person.
The facilities will not be disinfected.
Organized games at baseball diamonds and soccer fields are allowed but the township suggests minimal contact. Practices and games should be scheduled with enough time for people to enter and exit without crowding each other.
Only two spectators per player are allowed. Players should not share equipment.
These and other guidelines will be posted at each field and are available on the township’s website.
The tennis/pickleball courts, gaming area, bocce court and gazebos also are open now. Visitors are expected to follow social distancing guidelines.
Other spots, like the popular playgrounds which are considered a high-volume area, will remain closed and officials will evaluate the possibility of reopening them on a weekly basis.
Jakubec said they will consider information from the Allegheny County Health Department on the number of covid-19 cases.
These areas also include basketball courts, flex courts, restrooms and the sand volleyball court.
