BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The City of Battle Creek Recreation Department will open the vehicle gate to Willard Beach on Wednesday, June 10, and is preparing Bailey Park for summer programming.
City officials released the following list of events and dates for the summer. Social distancing measures must be observed while at the beach and park.
- Willard Beach – Opening to vehicle entry on Wednesday, June 10. The usual fee structure will be in place, at $2 per person, or $5 per car. Hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Officials ask attendees to observe social distancing of six feet when visiting. The permanent restrooms will be open, and staff will clean them regularly. Pavilions are available to rent – call 269-966-3431.
- Bailey Park – Staff this week will start preparing the fields for summer programming, and hope to start tournaments the weekend of June 19. Permanent restrooms are open during programming, and portable toilets are available. The deadline to register for summer programs is June 24. Call Recreation at 269-966-3431 to sign up for: summer adult softball (team only), starts June 28; adult baseball (team only), starts week of July 6; little tyke t-ball, starts July 6 and 7; youth individual baseball, starts July 6; girls fast pitch (team only), starts July 6.
- Movies in the Park – Held at Mill Race Park downtown; movies start at dusk. The screenings will include Toy Story 4 on Friday, July 17, and Sonic the Hedgehog on Friday, August 14.
Meanwhile, two of the city’s large recreation attractions are closed and canceled for this year:
- Kidventure Summer Camp – The Full Blast facility continues to serve the community as a day and night homeless shelter, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so staff cannot hold our summer day camp.
- Flash Flood Water Park – Because it is late in the season, and the city is seeking cost estimates for a large pool crack we must repair, the pool will not open this year. While outdoor pools can open at 50 percent capacity, it would not be financially responsible for us to operate the park at this time. The current state executive order does not allow our indoor pool to open at this time, and it will remain closed for the season, again, due to high operating costs.
Staff notes that the city is eager to improve Flash Flood during this year’s closure, starting with a grant from the Calhoun County Visitors Bureau to paint the water slides this month.
