Bryant park community center aiming for May 22 reopening

Bryant officials announced Friday that they plan to tentatively reopen part of the community center at Bishop Park on May 22.

The reopening of the center, which is at 6401 Boone Road, will be limited to members only. It is also dependent on the arrival of personal protective equipment such as face masks and sanitation supplies for the staff and the facility, Mayor Allen Scott said in the announcement.

“The Center at Bishop Park does not fit into an exact model of a gym or weightlifting facility that is being referenced in the Phase 1 recommendations by the Governor,” Scott said in a statement. “This community center serves as a hub for both recreation and meetings in our city. The health and safety of our community members remain our top priority, and must be considered as we evaluate the implementation of re-opening.”

The city — as with others across the state — had closed off a number of public gathering spots to slow the spread of the coronavirus that causes the potentially fatal covid-19 infection.

The center is a 75,000-square-foot facility that serves as the home of the Bryant Senior Activity Center and the Boys and Girls Club of Bryant. The center includes three regulation-size basketball courts, a large indoor cushioned walking trail, an aerobics room, workout fitness equipment, activity and service areas, a concession area, administrative offices and storage rooms. There are also meeting rooms throughout the facility.

Much of the center, the 106-acre Bishop Park complex and other municipal parks will remain off-limits for now.

The city specifically said in its announcement Friday that the following places or amenities would remain closed:

■ The aquatic center and splash pad at Bishop Park.

■ Ball fields at Bishop Park, Ashley Park and Alcoa Park.

■ Soccer fields at Midland Park, Alcoa Park and Bishop Park.

■ All playgrounds, tennis courts and outdoor basketball courts.

■ Disc Golf Course at Bishop Park.

■ Bark Park at Alcoa Park.

■ All outdoor buildings’ restrooms.

■ Pavilions.

The Bryant Parks Department said it will follow the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health department guidelines when determining the reopening of those amenities or fields. Members will not be billed a membership fee for the month of May, according to parks Director Chris Treat in the city’s announcement Friday.

Updates will be posted at https://www.cityofbryant.com/1543/Information.