Westminster, MD, Friday, May 29, 2020 – Carroll County Department of Recreation & Parks clarifies the impact of the Governor Hogan’s recent Executive Order on relaxed restrictions for youth sports and camps and how it relates to Carroll County. The new guidance is effective today at 5 pm.

Although the recent announcement referenced relaxing the conditions for youth sports, examples of restrictions that are still in place include:  groups must still be less than 10 (including instructors/coaches + players); 6’ social distancing of participants is required; masks are required of all adults and youth 9 and older; and screening of staff and athletes for illness.  Additional details can be found here.

These changes, although a step in the right direction, do not allow for the resumption of games traditional practices or any organized activities, but rather small instructional workouts, skill development and informal community usage.  Activities consistent with the above guidelines will be permitted on county park athletic fields effective May 29th at 5 pm.

The Governor also noted that entering Stage II of recovery could be close, if the data continues to improve. Although not yet specified, Stage II may allow the maximum number in a group to increase which in turn may impact use of athletic fields and pavilions.  If this occurs, it will offer a big step forward for youth sports and will allow more significant changes for the recreation councils and the department.

The Governor’s guidance also addressed youth camps.  

  • While Piney Run and Bear Branch summer nature camps have been cancelled, other summer activities for youth will occur at Piney Run and Hashawha this summer. Information on these programs as well as additional summer activities for youth and families to enjoy at park sites and home will be featured in a new summer activity guide to be released mid-June.

For more information and updates, please visit https://ccrecpark.org or Carroll County Recreation & Parks on Facebook.

Thank you for your patience and assistance as we continue to navigate our services during this unprecedented and challenging time.