Commissioners to Discuss Recreation Facility Reopening

The City of Lake Wales has reopened tennis courts, but playgrounds and many other recreation facilities remain closed. City staff will get input about reopening at the next city commission meeting June 2.

The June 2 meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the city administration building on Central Avenue. It's being called a "hybrid" meeting since some commissioners and staff will be physically present and others will join online. The public will have three participation options – attending in person with proper social distancing, submitting questions or comments via email or registering as a participant in the web meeting.

Currently open are all trails, Lake Wailes Park, Kiwanis Fields and the Skate Park, Haromy Dog Park,

Crystal Lake Park Tennis Courts and the Northwest Complex Tennis Courts.

Currently Closed are all outdoor basketball courts, the Kirkland Gym, Northwest complex fields, Little League complex, soccer complex, James P. Austin Community Center and the Tourist Club.

Also closed are all city playgrounds, including:

• Walker

• Northwest Complex

• Lincoln/Stoudemire Park

• Howell Family

• Crystal Lake Park

• Barney's Dream

• Stuart Park

City Recreation Coordinator Stephanie Edwards is asking people to please continue practicing social distancing to ensure the courts can remain open: "Thank you for all for your patience during this time and doing your part to keep your family and community safe."

Those not attending in person can have their questions or comments read during the meeting by submitting them at http://www.lakewalesfl.gov/comments. Those who wish to be heard live during the meeting can register to participate online at https://www.lakewalesfl.gov/register.