Northbrook Park District continues to monitor and follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the State of Illinois and Cook County. The Park District recognizes the importance of recreation for overall physical and mental health and will continue to offer as many services as possible for the community while following safety guidelines.
In accordance with Cook County Department of Public Health’s lifting of Mitigation Order 2021-11 and the State of Illinois’s lifting of the mask mandate on February 28, Northbrook Park District will be moving to a Masks Recommended procedure for programs, events and facilities.
Beginning Monday, February 28, masks are recommended, but not required, for patrons and staff in Park District indoor facilities. In addition, proof of vaccination for patrons will no longer be required.
As we navigate the ever-changing information and guidelines surrounding COVID-19 together, we ask the community to continue to show kindness, empathy and respect to others. As it has throughout the pandemic, Northbrook Park District will continue to follow the guidance of national, state and local authorities.
Earlier this month, Governor Pritzker announced plans to partially lift Illinois’ indoor mask mandate by February 28 assuming state COVID-19 metrics continue to decline. Since the announcement the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) has released this statement:
“The Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) anticipates that if key metrics continue to improve through February, the CCDPH vaccination and masking order for suburban Cook County (minus Evanston, Skokie, Oak Park and Stickney Township) can be lifted consistent with the Governor’s time frame.”
To read the full statement, visit bit.ly/CCDPHupdate.
The Northbrook Park District will continue to follow the guidance of national, state and local authorities as it has done throughout the pandemic. Updates will be provided at nbparks.org once guidelines and details are released, which may include applications where masking and/or vaccinations are required in some settings.
Thank you for your continued patience as we navigate the many orders, mitigations and guidelines surrounding COVID-19.
Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) released an update to Mitigation Order 2021-11 on January 3. The following information will clarify procedures at Northbrook Park District.
Ages 5 and up – Proof of Vaccination Required:
Acorn Grill + Terrace: Required at the restaurant and bar
Rentals and Room Use with Food at all Facilities: Required at Sports Center, Leisure Center,
Village Green Center, Techny Prairie Activity Center, Heritage Oaks Golf Club/Acorn Grill + Terrace
AGES 19 and up – Proof of Vaccination Required:
Techny Prairie Activity Center: Fitness center, indoor group fitness, indoor track, adult programs, leagues and events, open gym, parent/child sports classes
Leisure Center: Parent/child sports classes
Senior Center: Special events with food, pickleball, some health and wellness programs
Sports Center: Figure skaters, hockey players, public skating, cosmic skating
Northbrook Racket Club: Tennis classes
Greenbriar Gym: Adult sports programs, leagues and events, open gym, parent/child sports classes
Heritage Oaks Golf Club & Chalet: Indoor private lessons and leagues
VOLUNTEERS, COACHES, OFFICIALS, CONTRACTORS, STAFF:
Proof of Vaccination or Weekly Negative COVID-19 Test Required
Photo ID may be required for age 16 and over. No outside food. Covered beverages only. Other guidelines may apply.
If you have questions, please contact, 847-291-2993 or customerservice@nbparks.org.
We wish you all a happy and healthy 2022!
Updated 1-6-22
Why is the Northbrook Park District requiring proof of vaccination?
The Cook County Department of Public Health, through Mitigation Order No. 2021-11, has mandated the Northbrook Park District and other organizations to implement a plan that requires proof of vaccination for certain activities and ages. The Northbrook Park District is committed to keeping our facilities and programs available to residents. By following Order No. 2021-11 all facilities and amenities can remain open and available for healthy and active recreation.
When do I have to show proof of vaccination?
CCDPH indicated and guidance will be issued and effective Monday, January 3, 2022. After an order is released, it takes time to work through the updates and FAQs. The Northbrook Park District works in consult with industry experts, District attorneys, and the Park District Risk Management Agency to develop appropriate procedures.
As of Monday, January 3, we are encouraging all adults to show proof of vaccination for the fitness center, athletic/exercise programs, drop-in gym, open ice times, and the Acorn Grill + Terrace. However, adults arriving without proof to a Park District sponsored program or activity will be permitted to attend through Sunday, January 9 with full enforcement beginning on Monday, January 10.
Are children paarticipating in youth sports or recreation exempt from this order?
Individual 18 years of age and younger participating in youth sports are exempt from the proof of vaccination requirement.
How will I find out if I must show proof of vaccination for the program or activity I am attending?
Registered program participants will be contacted directly from the supervisor responsible for the program.
I have one of my two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccination, will my vaccination card be accepted as proof of vaccination?
No. Based on CDC guidelines, an individual is considered fully vaccinated:
Boosters are not required at this time but are highly encouraged if eligible.
What are acceptable forms of proof of vaccination?
Can I email my vaccination card if registered for a program or have a Techny Prairie Activity Center membership?
No. Please DO NOT email your vaccination card as it contains personal information. Proof of vaccination for ages 19 and up will be required upon your first visit as a program participant. Verification of your vaccination card will be entered by staff in our registration system for subsequent visits. Your card will not be copied or uploaded into our records. If you pay a daily fee and/or are not in our system, a photo identification card may be required.
Do I have to show proof every time I visit TPAC or attend a program?
No. The vaccination card and identification will be required upon your first visit as a program participant. Verification of your vaccination card will be entered by staff in our registration system for subsequent visits. Your card will not be copied or uploaded into our records.
Will the Northbrook Park District copy and file vaccination records?
No. In all cases, it will only be noted that proof of vaccination has been verified by staff at one of our locations.
I am a volunteer for the Northbrook Park District, do I have to show proof of vaccination?
Yes. Volunteers must provide proof of vaccination. For any volunteer who is not fully vaccinated or chooses not to provide proof, weekly negative COVID-19 test are required. The supervisor responsible for the program will reach out with further directions.
Do coaches, officials/referees, and independent program contractors have to show proof of vaccination?
Yes. All independent contractors and or businesses where programs are held must have employees interacting with patrons show proof of vaccination or submit to weekly testing.
I am staying in a facility for my child’s program, watching a sporting event, or attending a theatre production, do I need show proof of vaccination?
In all cases, spectators do not need to require proof of vaccination since food and beverages are not available. Everyone must be always masked.
I am dropping my child off for a program, do I need my vaccination card?
No. As long as you are wearing a mask and refrain from eating and drinking, you will not need to show proof of vaccination.
Since adults in the facility are vaccinated, do I still have to wear a mask and physically distance from others?
Masks are still required. The order requires a tight knit fabric or medical mask that fits snugly to cover the nose and the mouth. Face shields and plastic face masks will not be permitted without a medical exemption in writing from a doctor.
As much as possible and feasible, maintaining 6 feet of distance is recommended
Do I need to show proof of vaccine if I am participating in an outdoor event or program?
No. However, depending on the program, masks may be required.
Is the Acorn Grill + Terrace at Heritage Oaks Golf Club open and do they require proof of vaccination?
Yes, the Acorn Grill + Terrace is open and proof of vaccination is required for all patrons 5 years of age and older. More information about the Acorn Grill is located here.
Is there a grace period for newly turned 5-year-olds to have time to get vaccinated?
Yes. Any individual who attains 5 years of age after the effective date of the Order shall be entitled to a grace period of 6 weeks to allow time for the individual to become fully vaccinated.
I am renting or using a Northbrook Park District room or facility for an event that has food. Who need to be vaccinated?
Vaccination is required for all patrons 5 years of age and older. At least 24 hours prior to the rental, a list of all attendees is required. The Northbrook Park District will check proof of vaccination and possibly an ID’s for those 16 and older for all attendees.
Why is outside food and beverages prohibited and why is concessions/vending closed?
We have eliminated the option of bringing food and beverages into the recreation facilities in an effort to keep more programs and amenities available for spectators and patrons. If food is available, everyone over the age of 5 would have to show proof of vaccination.
I have questions about the program I am registered for, who should I contact?
To ensure the quickest response, direct your questions to the Customer Service location at which you program is being held:
Call:
Techny Prairie Activity Center: 847-897-6180
Northbrook Sports Center: 847-291-2993
Leisure Center/Senior Center/Theatre: 847-291-2995
Heritage Oaks Golf Club: 847-291-2351
Acorn Grill + Terrace: 847-897-6141
Or email:
General Comments and Inquiries: info@nbparks.org
TPAC Memberships and Group Fitness Classes: membership@nbparks.org
Golf Programs or Pro Shop: info@heritageoaksgc.com
Acorn Grill & Terrace: moconnor@openkitchens.com
All other programs: customerservice@nbparks.org
To keep patrons and staff members as safe as possible throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Northbrook Park District has followed the guidelines and mandates of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH), and local jurisdictions such as the Village of Northbrook.
CCDPH has issued a new Mask Mandate for Cook County that will go into effect on Monday, August 23. The mandate includes the following information:
Therefore, beginning August 23, masks will be required following these guidelines in all Northbrook Park District indoor facilities.
For the new Acorn Grill + Terrace restaurant at Heritage Oaks Golf Club, the mandate adds, “Masks may be removed at restaurants, bars and other eating/drinking establishments by patrons when they are actively eating/drinking while stationary.”
For more information or to see the complete mandate, visit the CCDPH website.
