North MorroW
Volume XXVIIII Number 1
July 3, 2020
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This is NOT our normal 4th of July or summer of activities in Boardman! Dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything social we normally enjoy in Eastern Oregon this year. Boardman’s 4th of July Celebration has morphed from a day (sometimes a weekend) of family gatherings, a parade, vendors, fun runs, games in the park, and many other activities to now what we can enjoy under the strict guidelines to survive this time period. There will be no parade, no vendors, no large gatherings of any kind for those in Boardman. Boardman Park & Recreation District Board Chair Karen Pettigrew says “Due to the COVID-19 virus this year there will be BIG changes in the 4th of July. There will be no events at Boardman Marina Park and we are asking you not to go to the Park that afternoon and evening. Practice social distancing and wear a face mask -- it would be difficult that day unless we gather in smaller areas. We want you to have a safe, healthy holiday!” Boardman Chamber of Commerce has planned a HUGE fireworks display which begins at 10:00 pm on July 4th. They do not plan on the smaller, ground hugging fireworks this year, but have splurged their budget on the tallest displays that we will be able to enjoy from our own yards at home. Please do not drive to the Marina Park expecting a fireworks show like in the past! The Summer Recreation Program that is so popular in Boardman has many changes, too. First of all, there will be no busing this year -- there is no way to practice social distancing while crowded on school buses! Funtastic Kidz summer program for ages 5 through 12 began June 29th, with two locations: Boardman City Park and the Park beside Boardman City Hall.
The program runs from 8:30 am to 11:30 am, but parents can drop off their children at the locations beginning at 7:30
If any participant or leader tests positive for COVID-19, the summer recreation program will be cancelled.
am and pick up before noon. The children will be gathered in groups of 10 the same 10 children will be grouped each day. Staff will be wearing masks, and hand sanitizer will be available everywhere. There will be lots of games and activities for the children. This program runs June 29th to July 16th. Recreation Coordinator Tessa Carroll says “We’ve come up with lots of fun games and other activities for both the Funtastic Kidz and Teen Summer Recreation Programs to enjoy. I know that kids are tired of staying home, and this will allow them a chance to socialize in a safe environment.” Teen Summer Recreation Program begins July 6th and runs to July 30th for ages 12 to 17. There will be a maximum of 20 kids total, with 10 in each group. There will plenty of fun with kayaks, canoes and sports.
Boardman Pool & Recreation Center has another session of group swim lessons planned for July 13 to July 23rd, Mondays through Thursdays. Kids levels one through four can upgrade their swimming skills while enjoying the pool at the Recreation Center. Levels one and two will need a parent or guardian in the water with the student; instructors will be out of the water while instructing. Parents/guardians do not need any swim experience to assist their swimmers, but they do need to feel comfortable getting their hair and face wet. These affordable lessons should be a must for every kid in the area -- there are way too many drownings in the nearby Columbia River. The Recreation Center is open Monday through Fridays from 5:00 am to 7:00 pm. Social distancing is encouraged, and group activities are limited to classes with instructors and plenty of spaciousness. The staff is constantly sterilizing surfaces and watching so that everyone is safe. You can enjoy walking around the gyms in the air conditioned comfort, shoot hoops, but only by yourself, have a workout in the weight room, or enjoy a swim during open swim time. Take a look at the classes being safely held on the North Morrow Times page 16. So while this summer is unlike any we’ve seen in the past, there is no reason you must sit home and pout! Boardman still have plenty of enjoyable activities for your summer fun!
Boardman City Council just approved tonight (June 29th) to open the splash pad. It will be open by the 4th of July. We ask that you maintain social distancing and please respect each other. The bathrooms will be cleaned once a day.