A note on COVID-related public health precautions related to sports activities at Jaquith and Crater Parks

Summer sports events and other park activities involve hundreds of people over the course of each weekend and attract visitors into our community. Therefore, we want to let you know what you can expect to see in the parks and also what precautions are being taken that you may not see; how public health risks are being addressed during this pandemic; in order to observe health and social distancing precautions and comply with all regulations, including contact tracing.

What activities are happening in the park?

NAFA (Northwest American Fastpitch Association) softball tournaments are scheduled to take place each weekend in July. Local softball players practice on the ballfields throughout the week. Adult softball leagues and Newberg High School softball and baseball teams also practice and play games.

Two weekends to go - NAFA softball games are scheduled to take place the weekend of July 24th on ballfields at Crater and Jaquith Parks in Newberg, and the weekend of July 31st additionally at Dundee-Billick Park.

Unscheduled outdoor recreation remains in place for walkers and persons not affiliated with the sports activities.

How can CPRD allow public events in the park during a pandemic? Is this safe?

All events and activities hosted by CPRD must adhere to the orders and requirements of the Office of Governor Kate Brown and the Oregon Health Authority, as well as Yamhill County Health Department.

CPRD communicates closely with event organizations in order to ensure that regulations are observed. In keeping with Governor Kate Brown’s Phase 2 guidance for indoor/outdoor facilities:

Social distancing for persons not living within the same household is mandatory, and event personnel monitor distancing compliance.
The number of people per facility is limited.
Games are scheduled to increase breaks between games.
NAFA requires spectators to remain outside the complex/facility during play.
The owner/operator of NAFA Softball is a certified COVID-19 Contact Tracer, and is on site at every game. NAFA ensures that players are screened, tracked and traced before they are admitted into games.
Additionally, CPRD works with NAFA to ensure that sports activities are conducted in such a way that social distancing is respected for all persons using the park, including walkers.

CPRD prioritizes public health and safety of everyone in our community, residents and visitors alike. Outdoor recreation plays a vital role in people's mental health and their quality of life, and our mission dedicates us to enhancing recreational opportunities. CPRD works together with health authorities and event personnel to ensure that these activities meet current guidelines and requirements.

For additional information on what NAFA is doing internally to ensure the safety of its players and attendees, visit the NAFA website: www.youthfastpitch.org.