O'Hara still mulling timeline for fully reopening parks, playgrounds

O’Hara leaders expect to know by Friday if township playgrounds can reopen after an extended coronavirus-related shutdown.

Township Manager Julie Jakubec said she expects to make an announcement after council weighs information from Allegheny County.

“Council is continuing to monitor the covid-19 daily statistics from the county health department,” she said.

That, in addition to new guidance from the CDC and the state’s Recreation and Parks Society, will help guide the decision, she said.

Jakubec said that while township officials want to open as many of the park amenities as soon as possible, council committed to wait two weeks from the start of the Green Phase before making a decision on the high-touch areas like playgrounds and basketball courts.

O’Hara on June 5 began a phased reopening of its parks with baseball fields, tennis courts and other low-volume areas first to welcome back visitors.

Organized baseball and soccer games are allowed, but social distancing guidelines should be followed.

Tennis/pickleball courts, gaming areas, bocce court and gazebos are open also, but picnic shelter rentals are not yet being scheduled.

In addition to playgrounds, the flex courts, restrooms and sand volleyball court remain off limits until at least Friday.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we have never had to have a reopening of township parks process before,” Jakubec said.