In response to the latest orders by Governor Greg Abbott, the City of Huntsville will expand hours of operations and address events taking place at facilities throughout town.
Among the activities being allowed, sports leagues have the option to begin practicing on June 1st with games to begin on June 15th. City Manager Aron Kulhavy said softball leagues have expressed interest in beginning their season and soccer and baseball have canceled their seasons. Kulhavy noted that all leagues will be required to follow the Governor’s guidelines as published in the Open Texas handbook.
The Huntsville Public Library will open for limited hours beginning June 1st. The hours of operation will be from 10 a.m. to noon and 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, with occupancy limited to 25 percent, or 20 patrons, at a time. Kulhavy added that proper precautions will be taken by the staff including wearing masks and gloves when appropriate.
The Frank “Pancho” Roberts Aquatic Center will open June 30th with occupancy set at 25 percent or 85 patrons. The pool will operate from noon to 3:30 p.m. and 4 to 7:30 p.m. with the break in the middle used to clean and disinfect surfaces in the snack bar area and other areas as needed. This opening date will allow time for lifeguards to be hired and trained.
The splash pad will open on June 1st. Signs will be posted to remind patrons of social distancing and sanitation best practices, Kulhavy noted.
Rentals of the MLK Community Center will begin again on June 1st with 50 percent occupancy or 100 people.
The July 4th festivities typically held during the day at Kate Barr Ross Park have been canceled; however, the fireworks display will still take place that evening. All patrons visiting the park to watch the fireworks will be encouraged to practice social distancing.
“Our hours of operations at City Hall, the Police Department, and the Service Center will remain in effect until further notice,” Kulhavy said. “The lobbies of City Hall and the Police Department are currently from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with limited numbers allowed in each and the Service Center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with access controlled by the customer service desk.”
The Wynne Home is currently open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The Sam Houston Statue and Visitor Center hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and are closed Monday and Tuesday.
Kulhavy reminded citizens to continue to take the necessary precautions to reduce the chances of infection or the spread of COVID 19 by thoroughly washing your hands, maintaining social distancing, avoiding touching your face, covering your nose and mouth when coughing and or sneezing, and staying at home if you feel unwell.
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