Washtenaw County Parks is gearing up for summer and recognizes the critical importance of parks and preserves for the health and well-being of county residents.
Since March 2020, Washtenaw County Parks has based operational plans on directives from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Washtenaw County Health Department (WCHD) as well as best practices from parks and recreation agencies around the state. The health and safety of park patrons and staff are paramount in park opening and operational plans.
The following is the status of Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission operations, effective April 30th. For the most up-to-date information on Washtenaw County Parks operations, visit washtenaw.org/parks.
ROLLING HILLS COUNTY PARK & INDEPENDENCE LAKE COUNTY PARK
Both parks have opened their gates to the public with the expectation that social distancing guidelines will be followed.
ROLLING HILLS WATER PARK & BLUE HERON BAY SPRAY PARK
While awaiting the MDHHS May 24th guidelines and orders, staff continue to hire and train seasonal employees, clean facilities, and prepare equipment for opening day. Staff anticipate a delayed, limited capacity opening for Rolling Hills Water Park and Blue Heron Bay Spray Park at Independence Lake County Park, targeting a mid to late June opening. Further updates regarding opening dates will be provided based on information received from MDHHS and WCHD.
INDEPENDENCE LAKE COUNTY PARK – BEACH
The beach at Independence Lake County Park will be open Memorial Day weekend! The park will be operating at 60% capacity to enforce social distancing guidelines and will be based on the total number of cars entering the park. Note: On hot summer days, park patrons may encounter delays or denied entry into the park due to capacity limitations.
MERI LOU MURRAY RECREATION CENTER
The Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center is open to members-only at a 30% capacity per MDHHS guidelines.
PIERCE LAKE GOLF COURSE
Pierce Lake Golf Course is open for the season! To help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and follow MDHHS guidelines, the following has been implemented:
- Masks required in Frederick L. Barkley Golf Center at all times
- No rakes or ball washers are available on the course
- Flag sticks should not be touched or removed by players
- Motorized golf carts available (two players per cart)
- Carts sanitized before each use; hand sanitizer is available
- All forms of payment accepted
DAY CAMPS
Washtenaw County Parks will be offering summer day camp programs at Rolling Hills County Park, Independence Lake County Park and through the Summer Playground Camp.
The Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center will also be offering a half-day Friday Fun Day program.
All registration is available at parksonline.ewashtenaw.org.
NATURE PROGRAMS
Nature programs will be running throughout the summer. All nature programs require advance registration, masks and social distancing. See the Into the Outdoors Program Guide for all May program offerings.
STEWARDSHIP VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
There are several stewardship and volunteer opportunities offered through the month of May. All stewardship and volunteer programs require advance registration, masks and social distancing. See the Into the Outdoors Program Guide for May program offerings.
DISC GOLF
Disc golf courses at Rolling Hills County Park and Independence Lake County Park are open! Per MDHHS guidelines, social distancing must be maintained. Masks are required outdoors if you cannot maintain a 6’ distance.
SWIFT RUN DOG PARK
The Swift Run Dog Park is open. Per MDHHS guidelines, social distancing must be maintained. Masks are required outdoors if you cannot maintain a 6’ distance.