Henry County will limit access to playground equipment within its Parks and Recreation facilities, effective April 1, to help residents remain healthy.
Henry County has 27 recreational sites, with playground equipment at seven of them – Jack Dalton Park, Jaycee Park, Jordan Creek Park, Fieldale Park, Fisher Farm Park, Blackberry Park (near the Bassett library) and the Spencer-Penn Centre. Beginning April 1, the playground equipment at those sites will be taped off and signs will be displayed that the equipment should not be used for the foreseeable future.
“Per Governor Ralph Northam’s executive order issued today, all Henry County parks can and will remain open at this time,” said Roger Adams, Henry County’s director of Parks and Recreation. “We just are trying to be extra vigilant with the playground equipment. A lot of little hands touch the equipment every day, and as the ‘social distance’ initiative gets extended, this is an action we feel we must take.”
The Smith River Sports Complex, although not under the Henry County umbrella, will follow suit and limit access to its playground area and fields. The perimeter sidewalks and the access to the Dick and Willie Trail will remain open, as will the Complex’s golf driving range and access to the canoe launch.
As outlined in the Governor’s executive order, Henry County also will close the group campground at Philpott Lake, effective immediately. This policy will remain in place until at least June 10, 2020, as outlined in the Governor’s executive order.
Anyone with a reservation during this affected period should contact the Parks and Recreation office at (276) 634-4640 to discuss options with their reservations.
