BEATRICE – A local skateboard park in west Beatrice will reopen. That from the Beatrice Local Health Board which met Thursday on coronavirus concerns.
Police Chief Bruce Lang says there would still be a restriction in place to prevent large crowds from gathering.


"With the stipulation that the building and grounds people would put up barriers to prevent vehicles from congregating there, like they had before...we we don't get crossways with the ten-person rule".


Gage County and other counties in the Public Health Solutions District health district remain under a state Directed Health Measure through May 31st. Opening of the Beatrice Splash Pad at Sertoma-Astro Park and the Big Blue Water Park are more dependent on that measure expiring.


There was some debate by the local health board members as to whether group size should be limited at the splash pad, and if that can be enforced. Lang recommended the splash pad be opened at the end of this month.
"We have not seen a lot of children that have had the virus or come down with the symptoms. Certainly by the 31st, we could open the facility and remind people to use best practices, if they could".


City officials estimated preparations to open the splash pad takes about two weeks. The Big Blue Water Park could be ready for opening by May 30th, but could be complicated by finding enough lifeguards for the facility. City Administrator Tobias Tempelmeyer said, "you could have it opened by the middle of June. The question is again, if the directed health measure remains in place with a 10 person or 15 person gathering...how do you practice social distancing in a pool". Tempelmeyer said the pool itself is not as big a concern...but making sure bathrooms are kept clean for the patrons".


The Chief of Police said he was inclined to favor opening the water park after May 31st. Health Board member Rick Clabaugh favors a “wait and see” approach. The water park season typically extends through mid-August.


On the issue of opening local ball fields to group recreation, the Beatrice Health Board made no decision. One member feels the Governor will have to further address the issue of organized group sports and whether they are permitted. Board member Rick Clabaugh says local officials can address the issue in the coming days.  "I want to get things, restrictions released as quickly as we can...but I still think it's a little too early to put a date on these things".


The local board plans to meet again next Thursday, at 11:30 a.m.