New order will allow Columbia playgrounds to reopen

A new order announced Friday morning by the Columbia and Boone County Health Department will change some operations at Columbia parks.

Starting Tuesday, city playgrounds will open again along with city spraygrounds at Stephens Lake Park, Flat Branch Park and Douglass Park, according to a news release. Stephens Lake Park beach will remain closed.

The city says youth and adult baseball and softball will also resume on Tuesday, with youth leagues beginning on June 8. Adult softball and kickball leagues will start on June 7. Social distancing will be applied to players, coaches, and spectators.

According to Columbia Parks and Recreation, some activities will be phased in. On Wednesday, water fitness and group fitness classes will resume again at the ARC.

Reservations will start being accepted Tuesday for birthday rentals, but with limited packages. Parties will start on May 30.

For anyone wanting to rent a park shelter or indoor recreation facility will have to make reservations for groups of up to 50 people. Social distancing will be required.