Rec Center opening delayed, summer rec and pool on hold
Summer recreation games are in doubt as the city awaits more direction from the state and determining if games can safely be played. Humboldt Independent file photo.
By KENT THOMPSON
During the coronavirus pandemic there has been a lot of talk about states and communities enforcing shelter in place orders. While that wasn’t the case in Iowa, Gov. Kim Reynolds did sign a Public Health Emergency Declaration, which closed many businesses and limited activity in the state. The governor just recently announced the relaxing of commerce restrictions provided businesses abide by public health guidelines.
It is because of those guidelines that the city of Humboldt has yet to open the Humboldt Recreation Center.
Humboldt City Administrator Travis Goedken reported Tuesday that himself, Mayor Dan School and interim Recreation Director Paxton Petersen met with Humboldt County Public Health officials late Monday afternoon at the Rec Center to discuss additional measures the city should enact to protect members using the facility and Rec Center staff.
“No decision has been made on when we will reopen,” Goedken said. “We need to purchase additional equipment based on the recommendations of our public health officials,” Goedken said.
Running in place is sort of what the city is faced with in regard to summer recreational activities.
Following the May 5 Humboldt Park Board meeting, the Park Board members agreed with city staff’s recommendation to proceed as if there will be a summer pool and city recreational season, even though those very much looked forward to activities are currently up in the air. Registration for summer baseball and softball programs are continuing and the city is proceeding as if the Humboldt Family Aquatic Center will open, although city leaders are unsure when and if that will happen.
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