Moderate-risk athletic fields and facilities reopen in Bellmore-Merrick | Herald Community Newspapers

Athletes of all ages now take advantage of open playgrounds and some indoor sports facilities.

During the first day of the Express Lacrosse Youth Practice Clinic at Cedar Creek Park in Seaford on July 6, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran announced the reopening of county batting cages and 60 sports fields, plus the resumption of moderate-risk sports like baseball, softball, gymnastics and non-contact lacrosse.

The county parks department has prepared 10 baseball fields, 37 softball fields, and 13 multi-purpose fields, approximately 25% of which are in Eisenhower Park. Leagues of all ages were allowed to resume play and sports summer camps were also allowed to reopen.

“It’s so important for young people. . . learning to lose is a good thing [and] learning how to win gracefully is a good thing,” Curran said. “All of this is taught on the sports field. It’s not just for children, it’s also very important for our adults and our elders.

According to the county’s reopening website, moderate-risk sports are described as having “limited ability to maintain physical distancing and/or be played individually” and require athletes to avoid sharing sports equipment or sanitizing it. between uses. Sports in this category also include field hockey, water polo, doubles tennis, relay swimming, racquet games, crew, rafting, paintball and soccer.

Courts and playgrounds, including basketball and handball courts, are open at Newbridge Road Park, East Bay Park, Merrick Road Park and Julian Lane Park. Picnic areas remain closed. The Newbridge swimming pool is open to residents of the town of Hempstead, but no swimming lessons will take place this summer. The dog park is also open. Customers are encouraged to wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.

The Newbridge Ice Arena also opened on July 6, with safety measures in place. It’s been a busy opening week, general manager Rich Gardner said, noting that face coverings are required in all areas except on the ice, and the lobby has been closed except for restroom access. . A one-way traffic system is in place where all guests enter through the main hall and exit through specifically marked doors.

For hockey clinics, players must come to the arena fully dressed but may lace up their skates in designated areas. Only one parent or guardian is permitted inside the facility per player, and all spectators must wear a mask and stand in designated viewing areas.

All-American Gymnastics and Totnastics Too in Bellmore had a “fantastic” opening week, co-owner Ori Wilner said. “After being stagnant and uncertain for months, it’s refreshing to find some energy back in the building,” he said. “Kids, parents and coaches have responded well, and we urge any concerned parents to call us.”

The gymnasium will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected continuously every day. Classes have been spaced out to allow safer foot traffic, and the gym has been formatted to create safe distances between children and trainers. Children must be able to follow social distancing guidelines, but are not required to wear a mask. Coaches wear masks and undergo daily temperature checks.

Sports leagues have also established their own specific rules to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Jack Moran, one of the directors of Express Lacrosse, explained that the practices would not involve competitive play and would only include drills allowing for social distancing.

Joe Ditaranto and Bernie Rosen, who represent the New York Senior Softball Association, were also at Curran’s press conference and announced that their season will begin July 27. Ditaranto said the NYSSA has created a list of 12 safety measures to protect athletes, the oldest of whom is 93. Players should bring their own clubs, wear a mask when not playing and refrain from anything personal contact, among other measures.