COVID-19 Update – Parks & Recreation Facilities/Programs

UPDATE (April 3, 2020) – KINGSPORT PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITY CLOSURE

At the recommendation of the CDC and the Sullivan County Regional Health Department, and to follow the lead of the Kingsport City Schools, the City of Kingsport has decided to extend the closure of Parks and Recreation facilities to the public indefinitely.

All programs and classes remain postponed until further notice.

Other updates include:

• All playgrounds and play equipment in city parks are closed until further notice.

• Scott Adams Skatepark is closed until further notice.

• Online registration has been extended to Monday, April 13 for the following programs: Adult Softball, 11-12 Boys Baseball, 13-15 Boys Baseball and 13-15 Girls Softball. If you have any problems registering online, please email Debbie Cutshall at DebbieCutshall@KingsportTN.gov or call 423-229-9460.

• Summer Program registrations originally slated to begin April 6 has been postponed until further notice.

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PREVIOUS RELEASE (March 18, 2020) – KINGSPORT PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES

At the recommendation of the CDC and the Sullivan County Regional Health Department, the City of Kingsport will close the Civic Auditorium, Allandale Mansion, Lynn View Community Center, V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex, Brickyard Park, Eastman Park at Horse Creek, Lynn View Athletic Fields, and Domtar Park, effective 5 p.m. on Thursday March 19, 2020 until further notice.  All associated rentals of these facilities, classes, programs and events managed through Kingsport Parks and Recreation are also suspended indefinitely.

At this time, community parks and trails are open to the public dawn to dark.

Parks and Recreation staff will remain available by email and phone.

*Kingsport Dog Park – The Dog Park will remain open daily to members from dawn to dark. However, with the Civic Auditorium closure effective 5 p.m. Thursday, March 19th, new and renewing registrations will not take place during this time. Should any issues arise with Dog Park operations, please contact the Kingsport Parks and Recreation department.

This information is subject to change as the city continues to monitor the evolving situation surrounding COVID-19.
Kingsport looks to the SCHRD and the CDC for recommendations and additional information.

For up-to-date information on the city’s response to COVID-19, please visit kingsporttn.gov.

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PREVIOUS RELEASE (March 16, 2020) – KINGSPORT PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS

Effective March 16, 2020 all city-sponsored programs, classes and events at Parks and Recreation Facilities are suspended until further notice. This includes Spring Break Camp, Homeschool Physical Education Classes, Start Smart Soccer, Community Inclusion Class, and all Athletic programs.

At this time, all Parks and Recreation facilities (Allandale Mansion, Civic Auditorium, Lynn View Community Center, and V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex)  will remain open. This is subject to change as the city receives further recommendations from the Sullivan County Regional Health Department and the CDC.

Thank you for your understanding as we do our part to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City to Suspend All Facility Programs and Classes

All city-sponsored programs, classes and events suspended indefinitely

KINGSPORT, TN – As of noon today, March 16, all city-sponsored programs, classes and events have been suspended indefinitely. This decision comes from City Manager Chris McCartt at the recommendation of the CDC and the Sullivan County Regional Health Department.

As of this statement’s release, all city facilities will remain open under normal operating hours. Any programs open to the public are suspended until further notice. Staff will attempt to reschedule any paid programs and honor tickets that have already been sold. Any customer who wishes to cancel should reach out to the respective facility.

This information is subject to change as the city continues to monitor the evolving situation surrounding COVID-19. Kingsport looks to the SCRHD and the CDC for recommendations and additional information.

Facility List

• Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium: The park will remain open, but all programs—planetarium shows, astronomy programs, nature program, etc.—are suspended.
• Kingsport Aquatic Center: The facility will remain open, but all swim lessons, water aerobics classes, training courses and other programs are suspended.
• Kingsport Carousel: The carousel will follow its current operating schedule.
• Kingsport Farmers Market: The market will delay its opening until Saturday, May 2.
• Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts: All programs and classes are suspended.
• Kingsport Public Library: The library will remain open, but all programs, classes and club meetings are suspended.
• Kingsport Parks and Recreation: All of Kingsport’s parks will remain open to the public, but all programming including athletics are suspended. Open gym hours at Lynn View Community Center and the V.O. Dobbins Center are also suspended.
• Kingsport Senior Center: All programs and classes are suspended, but the lounge and other facility spaces will remain open. The Renaissance Center’s open gym hours are also suspended.

Rental Recommendations
At this time, the city is not canceling any rentals within the above facilities, but urges citizens to follow CDC guidelines. As of March 15, the CDC recommends that for the next eight weeks, organizers cancel or postpone in-person events of more than 50 people, according to cdc.gov. If anyone who has already booked a rental has questions or wishes to cancel, please reach out to the facility directly.

For up-to-date information on the city’s response to COVID-19, please visit kingsporttn.gov.