Library, some parks facilities open with limited service May 1

Apr 30, 2020

Starting on Friday, May 1, the Georgetown Public Library and some parks facilities will open to the public for limited services. The Tennis Center, 400 Serenada Drive, will reopen Monday, May 4. Most other City facilities will remain closed to the public while City officials develop a phased re-opening of other public areas for May 11. The openings follow executive orders issued Monday by Texas Governor Greg Abbott that allow some businesses and facilities to open to the public as part of Phase One of the Open Texas plan. The changes also are in response to the expiration of the State’s and Williamson County’s Stay Home orders, effective April 30.

“Anticipating that the Governor would be making changes to rules affecting city operations, the City has been working on a phased plan to re-open public buildings and other city facilities,” said City Manager David Morgan. “The limited re-opening of the Library, Tennis Center, and select other facilities represents an initial phase of our plan. We ask for the support of the public in observing the rules for the use of these facilities for their safety and the safety of City employees.”

Members of the public entering the Public Library or parks facilities opening Friday should consider wearing face masks to reduce risk of spreading COVID-19 to others and the City employees who work there. Visitors also will be asked to follow safe, physical distancing requirements, use hand sanitizer and wipes, follow other rules, and avoid entering either facility if they are sick.

While some services will be offered, hours and services will be limited at the Public Library, 402 W. Eighth Street, and Parks and Recreation facilities.

Public Library

The Public Library will be open for patrons to check out books, DVDs, and other materials, but most other services will not be offered. For complete details or updates, go to the Library website at library.georgetown.org.

Materials on both floors will be available for “grab and go.” Patrons should limit their time in the building to 30 minutes or fewer.

Library hours of operation will be limited through May 15: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday.

Areas and services that remain closed and will not be available include the meeting rooms and conference rooms on the second floor; public-use computers; printing, faxing, and photocopying; story time and play areas in the children’s area, and public seating in the building. Donations of materials are not currently being accepted.

Curbside pickup service will be discontinued April 30.

The Red Poppy Café remains open and will have limited indoor seating.

Parks facilities

Some outdoor parks facilities will open May 1.

Small picnic pavilions in City parks will be available without reservations for use by small groups, while allowing for physical distancing. Larger pavilions will be closed.

Outdoor restrooms in parks will be open.

Tennis courts and pickleball courts at parks will be open.

Most parks and trails remain open, including San Gabriel Park, Garey Park, and most trails.

Parks facilities that remain closed include the Recreation Center, Blue Hole Park, basketball courts, the Creative Playscape, playgrounds at parks, and splash pads.

Tennis Center

The City is working to open the Tennis Center Monday, May 4, with limited hours and services. For complete details or updates, go to the Parks and Recreation website at parks.georgetown.org.

Players must make reservations to reduce interactions inside the building. Reservations can be made by calling (512) 931-2444. Occupancy in the building will be limited to 10 people, including staff.

Reservation time will be limited to 1.5 hours and a maximum of four players per court.

Tennis Center hours of operation will be limited: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Players must bring all their own equipment, including balls, racquets, and water. Rental equipment will not be available, and water will not be provided on the courts.

Other City facilities

Most public buildings and facilities remain closed. The City is working on a plan to open lobbies and public areas of these facilities with a tentative opening date of May 11: City Hall, Georgetown Municipal Complex, Municipal Court, Visitors Center, Light and Water Works building, and the Airport Terminal.

Facebook Live

Georgetown officials will share this information in more detail during a Facebook Live scheduled for noon Thursday, April 30, on the City’s main Facebook page. Speakers will include City Manager David Morgan, Parks and Recreation Director Kimberly Garrett, and Library Services Director Eric Lashley.

For more information about current city services and programs, go to the City of Georgetown, COVID-19 site at georgetown.org/coronavirus-information.