Upcoming Events
Aquatic CEU Workshop #5 Cedar Falls
Cedar Falls - Hilton Garden Inn
Aquatic Certified Pool Operator #5 Cedar Falls
Cedar Falls - Hilton Garden Inn
COVID-19
Today, Gov. Reynolds signed a new Public Health Disaster proclamation that modifies existing public health measures designed to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The proclamation continues to require that when people are in an indoor public space, and unable to social distance for 15 minutes or longer, masks are required to be worn.
Spectator limits for sporting and recreational gatherings, including for high school-sponsored events, will be lifted Friday, January 8th, 2021.
Other public health measures have been extended until Saturday, February 6th, 2021.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)...
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated guidance specific to parks and recreation that includes information about restrooms, sports courts, pools and more. It also offers recommendations for park visitors and suggests that park and recreation administrators post signage about using facilities safely at this time. The CDC's guidance is in alignment with the information NRPA has been sharing and provides some additional recommendations.
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH)...
The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMACH)...
Pool & Hot Tube Alliance (PHTA)...
Reopening any business or establishment in these times is not without some risk to staff and membership/guests. Permission to open also does not necessarily mean that a given facility must or even should open. Each facility must decide whether opening under the specific constraints of a given order with continued guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is technically, logistically and financially feasible. While properly treated pool water is not considered a vehicle for transmission of the COVID-19 virus, the risk of transmission remains present at any place of work, and any recreation facility. Therefore social distancing must be maintained at all times between staff, between guests and between staff and guests. Hand washing and sanitation and regular cleaning and disinfection of objects and surfaces are equally essential.
National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA)...
As communities begin to see reductions in virus transmission, local park and recreation professionals are developing plans for reopening spaces, facilities and programs impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Agencies should adhere to all federal, state and local guidance, including meeting a set of outlined indicators and gating criteria prior to implementing a phased approach that prioritizes public health and safety when reopening. Park and recreation professionals should recognize that phased reopening plans will not be an immediate return to normal operations, rather, they should include additional mitigation measures to maintain states of low to no community transmission.
American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council Answers COVID-19 and Aquatics ...
The emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has raised questions among aquatic facilities, lifeguards and instructors about the operation of aquatic facilities, education of lifeguards and lifeguarding rescues and resuscitation, and delivery of American Red Cross courses. This document provides guidance to Red Cross instructors, aquatic facility operators, and students. In addition, lifeguarding students may have questions about alterations to rescues and resuscitation during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) ...
Summer programs provide an essential support for working families. Many schools, communities,and childcare facilities are working to determine if and when they open to provide summer programming to school-aged children. The updated childcare guidance has been developed in consultation with the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Iowa Department of Education.
Membership
Become a member of the largest parks and recreation professional organization in the state of Iowa. Our membership year mirrors our fiscal year - July 1 to June 30.
Membership Features Include...
- Reduced fees to attend conferences and workshops
- Receive a monthly magazine containing valuable articles, current events and job listings
- Membership directory is published annually, available late fall
- Annual scholarships are given to students to assist with professional development
- Awards program to acknowledge the very special talents of member agencies, professionals, laypersons/organizations and corporate support.
- Ability to network with other professionals at conferences, workshops and committees
- Low cost membership fees