Parks announce maintenance plans, swim guidelines for Centergoers

The Benton Parks and

Recreation Department has announced a one-day closure of the dog park, located at Riverside Park, for maintenance.

“We appreciate your patience as we better our dog park,” the department said.

The park will be closed from 6 a.m. until dark Thursday.

While all city-sponsored activities, such as the Arkansas Coffin Races and Third Thursday have been canceled, and similar events such as Spook City and Oldfashioned Day, too have been canceled due to COVID-19 concerns, the parks department will continue to operate as usual. The River Center, along with all city parks, will remain available to the public.

Sporting events by the parks department will continue to be held due to the fact that crowds can be controlled. Social distancing practices and measures such as using masks at the River Center will remain in effect.

Recreational swimming times have also been announced for members only at The River Center. Reservations are required and capacity will be capped at 35 swimmers.

In order to meet guidelines set by the Arkansas State Health Department, timed session will be offered to prevent long waits and allow for adequate social distancing. Sessions will be held from 3:30

to 6:30 p.m. Friday. Saturday sessions will be available from 9:30 a.m. to noon, 12:30 to 3 p.m. and 3:30 to 6 p.m.

The following guidelines must be observed by all swimmers:

• All family members and spectators entering the facility must be registered and screened.

• Masks must be worn except while swimming.

• No refunds, transfers or exchanges.

• Locker rooms remaine closed.

• Family members may sit and swim together.

• Maintain 6 feet of social distance between family groups.

The vortex pool, slide, splash pad and inflatables will be available for use, however, the diving board, rock climbing wall, basketball goal, life jackets and other facility aquatic equipments will not be available.

Day passes are currently not available for recreational swimming.

Members may make reservations online or at the front desk of the River Center. For more information, call 501-776-5970.