Deborah Prescott | Daily Press People walk on the Escanaba beach recently. Outdoor swimming areas are open under guidelines mentioned in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-110, announced June 1. Kim Peterson, Escanaba’s recreation director, says the Recreation Department is working to open the beach.

ESCANABA — Escanaba’s parks, baseball fields, marina and outdoor recreation areas are open.

“The barricades are removed and the yellow caution tape is removed in Ludington Park,” said Kim Peterson, Escanaba’s recreation director.

Many of the recreation venues were closed, Harbor Hideout, the volleyball cour and tennis courts, are now open. Peterson says patrons should be cautious when using the recreation areas.

“I believe Public Works was going to put some signs up about the playground equipment not being sanitized,” she noted.

Though city parks are open, be vigilant in protecting yourself and family members with personal protective equipment — masks, gloves, hand sanitizer — when visiting partly due to commonly used equipment touched by others.

“We want to encourage families to go outside and enjoy the fresh air while complying with any state orders,” said Peterson.

CDC recommends to stay physically active and visit open spaces to relieve stress, get fresh air and Vitamin D. Don’t go out if you are sick or were recently exposed to COVID-19. The CDC advises to prepare before visiting any outdoor areas, visit areas that are close to your home, stay at least 6 feet away from others, and be cautious in and around swimming pools by keeping space between yourself and others.

The Escanaba Recreation Department is working on getting the beach up and running, but will keep the Webster wading pool closed through the summer.

“Not looking good for the Webster Wading Pool though,” said Peterson. “It will be too hard to have 50% capacity and maintain the 6 foot distancing.”

In Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-110 it states outdoor pools can open June 8, provided they limit capacity to 50% of the bather capacity limits, and subject to guidance issued by the Department of Health and Human Services. Public indoor pools continue to remain closed.

Before the recent order Peterson wasn’t ready to throw in the towel and prepared for when the orders would be lifted by having employees lined up, ready to go to work.

“We are moving forward with our events this summer,” she said.

Events Peterson planned last year for the 2020 summer are — Rock the Dock, June 27, Independence Day fireworks, July 3, Rock the Dock and the Golf Ball Drop, Aug. 1, 906 Day, Sept. 6, and a Labor Day Celebration, Sept. 7 — are all going to be held.

“We’ve worked with the Delta County Trades and Labor Union to have our first Labor Day parade and celebration. Other things we had to push back or put on hold, like the concession stand,” said Peterson.

Some event organizers canceled their event and others are holding on, according to Peterson. Escanaba trails and the dog park are open, and Peterson is hoping to open summer programs the middle of June.

The Escanaba City Band has not scheduled performance dates in the Karas Band Shell at this time, said Peterson.

Harbor Master Larry Gravatt opened the Marina May 15. All facility services are available to boaters — fuel sales, electric, water, storage boxes, sanitary pump outs, showers-restroom-laundry facilities, bike rentals, refreshments, internet and a night security watchman.

“We opened the harbor on May 15,” said Gravatt. “…We do expect our boaters and the public to practice social distancing.”

At this time the annual Marina Fest is scheduled for July 25.

The Aronson Island Boat Launch is open to boats up to 26 feet. Daily launch permits and seasonal passes are available, also good for North Shore Boat Launch. According to the Escanaba Yacht Club website, the club is closed until further notice.

The Escanaba Recreation Department is located in the Catherine Bonifas Civic Center, 225 N. 21st St. Call 906-786-4141 to contact the department. Marina office is located at 17 Water Plant Road and open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday until October. For more information about the harbor call 906-786-9614, or visit the city’s website at www.escanaba.org.