Parks and Recreation announces terms for reopening

MURPHY (June 9, 2020) As some of the area’s businesses deemed to be non-essential begin to reopen, the City of Murphy is allowing the use of the Murphy Community Center under specific circumstances and procedures.

                Reservations for the MCC are now being accepted. All of the customary provisions and requirements related to reservations of the facility remain in place. Moreover, in addition to these, requesters are limited to an occupancy of no more than 50 individuals in the gymnasium, and no more than 50 percent capacity in the smaller meeting rooms.  

                Reservation requesters are also responsible for ensuring that appropriate precautions are taken, including an acceptable social distancing process. While the gymnasium area is available for gatherings of no more than 50 persons, there are no open gym sessions scheduled, and no reservations will be accepted for basketball or volleyball games.

                On the Recreation side there are also a number of procedural changes that are now in place. Instructors, regardless of type of class they lead, will undergo a temperature reading prior to starting their sessions. Similarly, all participants and parents of minors who enter the facility for classes will also be subjected to a temperature check. An unacceptable temperature range will prevent these individuals from entering the facility.

                At the same time, staff members emphasize the importance of people with underlying health conditions or other vulnerabilities to self-identify and refrain from participating in recreational programs that would expose them to the coronavirus.

                Individuals interested in participating are encouraged to register online, thereby limiting face-to-face contact with staff or other registrants. Face coverings are optional but encouraged. However, where equipment is shared or reused, including exercise mats, participants will be required to provide their own set of protective gloves. The City of Murphy will not be providing the required gloves.

                Program instructors have been given the option of offering class based on their specific situation, so some classes have not yet resumed. As always, a call to the Community Center to confirm that a specific class will occur is advised. The phone number is 972-468-4444.

                Parks and open spaces, will for the most part, remain open and accessible. However, the splash pad and restrooms at Central Park as well as Timbers Nature Preserve will not open for the foreseeable future. The amphitheater will resume taking reservations on June 29 with a maximum occupancy of 100 individuals.

                Pavilions rentals have now resumed. City officials remind pavilion renters of their responsibilities for social distancing and other measures to ensure the health and safety of their guests. Picnic tables may be used either by members of one household, or by no more than 10 people who arrive together. Trails are open, but a distance of six feet between non-family members is required.

                Questions about any aspect of the use of facilities, recreation programs, rentals or other related topics can be directed to the staff by calling 972-468-4444 or by sending an email to recinfo@murphytx.org.