WAKE COUNTY, N.C. – Parks and recreation officials said the COVID-19 pandemic has likely permanently changed programming and even design for local parks.
Bre King brings her 3-year-old half-sister, Ceyenne, to parks like Knightdale Station Park whenever she can. When the pandemic hit, it was one of the few forms of entertainment available. The fact that it got Ceyenne away from her tablet was even better.
“She actually really likes being outside but it's hard to get outside of the apartment sometimes,” she said.
Parks and rec departments found themselves coordinating a number of services usually left to other agencies. For example, Garner Recreation Superintendent Megan Young said her department hosted COVID-19 screenings and Meals on Wheels for seniors at Garner's parks. Her staff also upgraded streaming capabilities at some facilities so students could take remote classes there.
“What it did do was a big shift in priority for everyone and place focus on spaces that may not have had as much attention prior to the pandemic,” she said.
Experts said many of those changes are here to stay. Michelle Wells of the N.C. Recreation & Park Association, said that likely will drive the design and renovation of future parks.
“The thought will be how can we program outdoor meeting spaces into the design of facilities if we were to have another situation like this, where we can use those as outdoor classrooms, outdoor meeting spaces, etc.,” she said.
Wells said the pandemic has demonstrated the need for strong park systems. As a result, she said she expects greater support from voters and from city officials, particularly when it comes to funding.
King said parks and rec officials in her area did a good job of keeping the parks clean and sanitary during the pandemic. She said as long as they keep up with basic maintenance, that's enough to keep her and her family coming back.