As communities throughout our state begin to reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Morganton Parks and Recreation Department is excited to provide citizens with something to look forward to by reopening some facilities and holding its popular annual fireworks show.
The City will reopen its pools and skeet range with restrictions in June, and will hold a fireworks show on Saturday, July 4, at Freedom Park. The Collett Street Recreation Center and Mountain View Recreation Center will remain closed to the public, per Executive Order 141.
“We are very glad we feel we can safely reopen some facilities and offer options for fun activities this summer, but this does not mean the pandemic is over,” said City of Morganton Parks and Recreation Director Rob Winkler. “People using these facilities, or attending the July 4th fireworks show, should be vigilant and adhere to guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.”
There will be strict rules in place to help keep our community safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19. The City will practice and enforce social distancing at all times. Throughout the day, multiple times per day, staff will clean and disinfect common areas, dressing rooms and other equipment at City facilities. If you plan to use City facilities or watch the fireworks show, you must adhere to the rules below.
JULY 4TH FIREWORKS
– Fireworks will be shot from Freedom Park.
– Freedom Park will be closed.
– This location should allow for a larger number of citizens to view the fireworks from safe parking areas. There are large amounts of parking available near Freedom Park.
– People should watch the fireworks from their cars while socially distancing themselves from surrounding groups.
– Due to restrictions, no concerts or festivities will be held, only a fireworks show.
COLLETT STREET POOL
– The City will open the Collett Street Pool on Saturday, June 13.
– The pool will be available for open swim only. The toddler pool will remain closed.
– Monday through Friday, swim sessions will be held from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
– On Saturdays, the pool will open from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for lap swim. There will be two times for swim sessions after lap swim: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
– On Sundays, the pool will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
– Only 60 people will be allowed at a time (based on square footage of the pool).
– There will not be any classes, lessons or parties allowed.
– There will not be any concessions offered. There will be a drink machine with water available. Outside food and drink is not allowed at the Collett Street Pool.
– Dressing rooms will only be used for washing hands and using the bathroom. Showering and changing clothes will not be allowed. Patrons must arrive and leave in their swim suits.
– Patrons will have to bring their own lounge chairs or a towel for the pool deck. We will enforce 6 feet of separation along the pool deck for groups that aren’t family.
– No summer passes will be available. Daily rates only. City resident rates are $2.75 for children, $4 for adults, and $3 for seniors. Non-City resident rates are $3.25 for children, $5 for adults, and $3.75 for seniors.
– Yearly memberships are prorated non-refundable.
AQUATIC CENTER
– The Aquatic Center will open on Monday, June 8.
– The pool will only be open for classes and lap swim.
– There will be a max of 25 people allowed at any given time.
– The pool will only be open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
– The Aquatics Center will be closed on weekends.
– No groups or parties will be allowed at this time.
– No summer passes will be available.
– Yearly memberships are prorated non-refundable.
SKEET RANGE
– The Skeet Range will open on Saturday, June 13, and operate on normal hours Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
– Use will be limited to a maximum of 25 people at a time.
– City staff will be the only people allowed in the office. The building will be closed to the public.
– The City will provide a Porta John for participants to use while at the facility.
