PARD postpones summer programs

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department is delaying its summer camps and aquatic programming due to the uncertainty around how long the pandemic will last and when vaccines will be available. Summer camp registration typically begins in February and aquatic programming in April; but with the city and county in Stage 5 of the Covid-19 risk-based guidelines, PARD is not able to set new registration dates for any summer programs. In a news release, PARD explains that the postponement will allow it, and the Austin Public Health Department, to “consider the local characteristics of the virus as vaccine distribution evolves” and offer in-person programming when it is safe to do so. “Delaying registration until there is a path forward for the safe delivery of programming can eliminate concerns related to program cancellations and refunds. … PARD continues to work closely with state and local health authorities to make operational decisions that ensure both the health and safety of participants, families, and PARD employees.”