City puts hold on some summer programming

The city of Concordia plans for some summer programming to begin on Monday have been put on hold after Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed an executive order Thursday establishing Phase 1.5 of Ad Astra: Plan to Reopen Kansas.
Phase 1.5 continues the restrictions on mass gatherings to no more than 10 people.
According to the governor's revised plan, Phase 2, which was tentatively scheduled to go into effect on Monday, has been pushed back to at least June 1. Phase 3 would then go into effect no earlier than June 15.
The implementation of Phase 1.5 impacts Concordia summer programming, specifically with respect to the continued restriction on mass gatherings.
The city is using the Kansas Recreation and Parks Association reopening plan and associated guidelines when giving consideration to parks and recreation programs.
The city plan as it now stands includes:
• City of Concordia Recreation baseball, softball and t-ball teams will not practice in May. Practices will begin with the implementation of Phase 2, with a target start date of June 1. Games will begin with the implementation of Phase 3, with a target start date of June 15.
• Concordia Municipal Swimming Pool will open for lifeguard training with the implementation of Phase 2, with a target start date of June 8. The pool will be open to the public for swimming lessons, swim team, public swim and pool parties with the implementation of Phase 3, with a target start date of June 15. Season passes for the pool will not be sold this year due to the significant delayed opening. The daily admission rate will remain at $2 per person. Punch cards will be sold at City Hall beginning May 18 and do not expire. Pricing is as follows: 10 punches for $17; 20 punches for $30; 30 punches for $40.
As discussed with the city commission on May 6, Summer Playground daycamp will not operate this summer.
Open areas of the park will remain open. Playground equipment will remain closed. Playground equipment will open with the implementation of Phase 2, with a target start date of June 1.
Public restrooms at parks will remain closed. Public restrooms at parks will open with the implementation of Phase 2, with a target date of June 1.
When summer programming resumes, participants, patrons and spectators will be expected to practice social distancing and good personal hygiene. More information will be provided when Phase 2 is implemented.
The lobbies of City Hall and the Concordia Police Department will open to the public on Monday, May 18. Loitering is strongly discouraged. Enhanced cleaning procedures have been implemented. The public is encouraged to continue to use the alley dropbox and online services for payment. The public is encouraged to continue to call or email City staff with questions. In-person meetings with staff will continue to be limited.
The Concordia city commission and all city advisory boards will continue to meet via Zoom video conference through Phase 1.5. In-person meetings will resume with the implementation of Phase 2, with a target start date of June 1. A hybrid of limited in-person attendance and live video broadcast may be necessary to comply with KOMA and the mass gathering restrictions of Phase 2.
“We thank our residents for their patience and cooperation as we work to safely reopen our community. This task has been especially challenging as information and regulations continue to evolve. Concordia has done a great job thus far of mitigating the spread of the virus in our community,” city manager Amy Lange said, “We continue to remain hopeful for forward progress: fully opening our businesses, making summer programming available, and returning our youth to school as normal this fall. Shop local when you are well. Stay home when you are sick. Cover your cough. Wash your hands. Practice social distancing. We will all be stronger and healthier for it.”