Facilities are reopening, procedures adjusted
GRF BOARD UPDATE
by Kathy Thayer
assistant recreation manager
Things are moving at warp speed in the GRF Recreation Department, with several changes underway.
On April 27, the GRF Board of Directors voted to approve four action requests submitted by the COVID-19 Ad Hoc Committee.
They include rescinding the Emergency Operational Procedures for both the Golf Course and the Fitness Center.
In addition, the board voted to reopen the table tennis and Clubhouse 1 picnic areas under certain restrictions.
As of today, April 29, Turtle Lake Golf Course will no longer require reservations.
Restrictions on walk-ins will be lifted, but golfers will have to wait their turn to play 18 holes. Tournaments, which have already been reinstated, will add the Guys and Dolls tournament in May.
The Women’s, Men’s, and Guys and Dolls can all start at 7:40 a.m. Masks are no longer required during strokes but are required at all other times.
Congregating on the patio will not be allowed until Orange County lifts all restrictions, which is expected on June 15.
As of today, April 29, the Fitness Center will no longer require reservations but will limit occupancy to 35, confined to the equipment area.
The dance and group exercise classes are expected to resume once indoor restrictions are lifted, likely later in June. Per Orange County guidelines, masks are still required while exercising, Extra disinfection measures will remain in place.
Table tennis on the first floor of Clubhouse 6 will be limited to four tables, and no guests are allowed. These restrictions may also be lifted in keeping with county guidelines and the GRF Board recommendations.
The Clubhouse 1 Picnic Area is now open for reservations, not including the kitchen, but limited to residents only until OCHCA and GRF agree to modify these restrictions, most likely later in June. Masks are required in all areas until that mandate is lifted.
If you haven’t experienced the newly remodeled Fitness Center, be sure to check out http://www. lwsb.com/fitness-center-tutorials/
to learn how to use the new equipment through a series of tutorial videos.
You will be able to access complete instructions for all machines from your smartphone. The attendant will show you how to link the machine’s video presentation with your phone, or you’ll be able to check out an iPad to learn while you work out.
Dance and exercise classes continue at Veterans Plaza on their previous schedule until clubhouse reservations are rebooked.
Contact the Recreation Department if you are interested in particular activities or contact information for the clubs and their instructors.
Reservations are now available for vocal clubs and smaller religious services at Veterans Plaza as well, with Community Karaoke currently taking advantage of the al fresco setting on Thursdays at 4 p.m. Contact kathyt@lwsb.com to ask about availability.
Mission Park is now in Phase 2, where doubles are allowed on multipurpose courts and bocce ball is being played. Restrictions on spectators are expected to be lifted in June.
The Recreation Department plans to begin renewing clubs in May in anticipation of reopening once Gov. Newsom and the OCHCA agree it is safe, probably after June 15.
Some booking space has been repurposed, which will affect the number of reservations a club can have and recurring reservations, which will not be allowed for holiday events to make it equitable for all. Clubs should wait to be contacted for an appointment rather than contacting Reservations.
Status updates for all amenities will be published in the LW Weekly as well sent out via LW Live as they become available. For more information, contact kathyt@lwsb.com.
