HOULTON, Maine — After closing its doors to the general public, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for the past six months, the Houlton Recreation Department is now ready to return to somewhat of a normal routine.
The Gentle Memorial Building will open for limited hours starting Tuesday, Oct. 13, and follow the CDC guidelines set forth by the state, according to Marie Carmichael, recreation director.
The building will be open to walkers Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., while the adult game room hours will be Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Other activities include: youth open gym and game room on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
The building will be closed every Wednesday to allow for cleaning.
“Masks are required when entering the facility,” Carmichael said. “If you are participating in a physically active event, you may remove your mask to participate. During non-physical activities people must keep their masks on.”
She added that anyone participating in events must first sign in when entering the building and give a phone number for contact tracing purposes in the event that any COVID-19 outbreak is detected.
“Participants are also asked to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer regularly and stay home if they feel ill,” she said.
No organized basketball games will be allowed in the gymnasium, but participants can shoot around, Carmichael said. Youths must be in grades two-12 to attend the open gym and game room hours, while those who are younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Pickleball will be held on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings 8-9:30 a.m. with a charge of $2 per player. For the foreseeable future, the gym and game room will be closed evenings and weekends.
The Recreation Department will offer two after school programs starting in October. Children in Grades K-6 are eligible to sign up.
A session called “Games Galore and More” will be offered on Wednesdays starting Oct. 14, while “Science Fun” will be held on Thursdays starting Oct. 15. Each program will run from 1:30 to 5 p.m. each day and from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 21, due to an earlier release day in RSU 29.
Parents may select one or both days for their child. Each day the children will be kept busy with fun activities. CDC guidelines will be followed in this program for the children’s safety. Games Galore is $60 per resident / $80 for non-resident. Science Fun is $50 per resident/$75 per non-resident. Each day is limited to 12 children. Advanced registration is required. For information, contact the Houlton Recreation Department at 532-1310.
