Johnson County attractions, playgrounds, libraries to open after COVID-19 shutdown
Johnson County continues to ease out of the coronavirus shutdown that began in March, with some playgrounds, pools, attractions and libraries starting to reopen.
The Board of County Commissioners has even decided to return to its in-person meetings on Thursday, for the first time in nearly three months — although social distancing and other precautions will be in place. And many cities are reopening the doors to their city halls and public buildings, as well as allowing public comments at meetings again.
But officials still urge residents to follow social distancing guidelines that were laid out in Gov. Laura Kelly’s reopening plan for the state. The guidelines — which include avoiding gatherings of 45 people or more and staying six feet apart from others — are not enforced. But they are strongly recommended as the county works to prevent further spread of the virus.
As of Wednesday, the county had reported 972 cases, and 71 residents have died from coronavirus.
“Our recommendations are no different — people should continue to maintain physical distance of six feet or more, wash hands frequently, stay home when you’re sick and wear a mask in public, because you don’t know who may be infectious,” county officials said in a statement on Tuesday.
Here is what is opening in Johnson County:
Johnson County libraries
Johnson County Library will reopen all 14 of its branches on Monday, June 15, with limited services.
Officials expect to open with reduced hours to allow staff time to sanitize public areas and materials, according to a news release. Visitors will be allowed to quickly browse, check out materials and use computers with a one-hour time limit. Libraries will not allow access to meeting and conference rooms, in-person events or summer reading book distribution.
There will be no occupancy limits at the branch locations, but officials ask that visitors stay six feet away from others. Staff will be behind Plexiglas barriers. Everyone is encouraged to wear masks.
Playgrounds
Some Johnson County cities started to reopen playgrounds this week, which were closed in March even as parks stayed open.
Officials worried about families using playground equipment, which is difficult to disinfect and could lead to more COVID-19 cases. And even as they open, signs at some parks warn visitors to use caution and social distance, as the equipment is not sanitized.
Playgrounds have reopened in many cities, including in Overland Park, Roeland Park, Lenexa, Merriam and Shawnee. Many cities also are beginning to open basketball and tennis courts. Some others are planning to reopen playgrounds, courts and athletic fields in the coming weeks.
Pools
While the majority of cities in Johnson County have decided to keep outdoor pools closed this summer, some are starting to welcome swimmers.
Lenexa, for example, decided to only open one of its pools, the Indian Trails Aquatic Center, with several safety precautions. The pool is only available to Lenexa residents with a membership or day pass. And there will be a daily closure from 4 to 4:30 p.m. for deep cleaning.
The city of Olathe is opening two pools. Black Bob Bay opened on Monday, for a limited season, but the lazy river remains closed. Mill Creek Pool is open weekdays for summer camps and during the weekend for Olathe residents, beginning Friday, according to a news release. The Beach at Lake Olathe will open Friday at the earliest.
Overland Park Arboretum
The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens reopened to members on Wednesday.
Water fountains and concessions will not be available, and the visitor center will not be open. Events and tours are canceled until further notice, according to a news release.. And visitors are expected to practice social distancing.
Temporarily, the arboretum will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Monday. It is closed on Tuesdays.
City officials expect the arboretum to open to non-members in about one week.
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead
The Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in Overland Park is scheduled to open on July 1.
The farmstead, at 13800 Switzer Road, features more than 250 animals, a one-room school house, fishing pond and more. Staff continue to work on a reopening plan to ensure the safety of visitors and staff, officials said.
