City of Lathrup Village to Cancel Summer Recreational Programming
All In-Person Parks & Recreation Programming Cancelled Through Aug. 31
Lathrup Village— May 21, 2020
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After careful consideration and in compliance with the governor's executive orders and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, the City of Lathrup Village has made the difficult decision to cancel all in-person Parks & Recreation programming, events, and activities through August 31, 2020.
The decision was also based on COVID-19 safety recommendations by Oakland County’s Parks & Recreation Department. Current guidance from federal, state, and local officials support this decision and efforts to protect public safety.
What is cancelled or closed?
- Cancelled events include the Summer Concert Series, Art Fair, Bark in the Park and the Back2School Rally.
- Playgrounds and play equipment are closed in accordance with Governor Whitmer's Executive Orders.
- The Pavilion in Municipal Park is not open for community use in accordance with Executive Order 2020-70 prohibiting large gatherings.
- The fitness center in the lower level of City Hall remains closed.
- City Hall facilities including the Community Room, Dance Studio and Meeting Place are not available for rental at this time.
What is open?
- Parks remain open for residents to enjoy. Residents are encouraged to refrain from using playgrounds and instead focus on walks or bike rides. Dog walkers are encouraged to carry their pet waste home rather than depositing it in park trash bins. We have seen a dramatic increase in dog walking in and around city parks but we are not able to provide a corresponding increase in trash removal.
- Interactive virtual programming is available through www.lathrupvillage.org and the city’s Parks & Recreation Facebook page. Residents are encouraged to take part in this month’s free walking challenge between Lathrup Village and the City of Southfield.
City Administrator, Dr. Sheryl Mitchell said, “we recognize residents will be disappointed at this decision. However, protecting our residents is our number one priority. We will follow the Governor’s MI Start Safe Plan and as well as best practices from the National Recreation and Park Association and Oakland County Parks & Recreation.”
“This is a sad situation, but it is necessary,” said Christopher Clough, Parks & Recreation Coordinator. “Hosting large, in-person events this summer would be irresponsible considering the devastating impact this virus has had on our community. As much as I miss seeing our residents, I know when we are able to get back together, we will be all the more grateful for the opportunity.”
“I will continue to work hard to provide innovative recreation programming for Villagers, taking advantage of every new strategy available,” said Clough. “I am working with the Recreation Advisory Committee to implement new ideas and I will use this time to make progress on larger Parks & Recreation projects.”
The city looks forward to a return to a more connected life once the COVID pandemic is under control. Stay connected through City of Lathrup Village e-newsletters and social media pages. New information and activity details will be posted as they become available.
