The City of Dubuque Leisure Services Department will open additional park and recreation facilities to the public over the coming weeks.

A hiring freeze initiated due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the City’s budget prevented the Leisure Services Department from hiring seasonal laborers to assist with park maintenance, as well as safety concerns related to the pandemic, keeping many Dubuque park facilities closed this season.

“We received approval earlier this week to hire the minimum number of seasonal employees to allow us to open these facilities,” said City of Dubuque Leisure Services Manager Marie Ware. “We will have safety measures and cleaning practices in place, but the public should continue to take necessary precautions like frequent handwashing, social distancing, and wearing a mask when social distancing isn’t possible. Public water fountains in parks will remain closed due to COVID-19 transmission concerns. We continue to encourage park visitors to come prepared for their visit by bringing their own water bottle, hand sanitizer, and picnic table coverings.”

The Bunker Hill Golf Course Pro Shop and Snack Bar will open for limited use starting Friday, June 26.

All park restrooms will open to the public on Monday, June 29, and will be cleaned daily.  The public restrooms at Fifth Street and Bluff Street, as well as the Port of Dubuque Marina, will also open to the public Monday, June 29. Park water fountains will remain off.

The tollbooth at Eagle Point Park will also open and begin charging admission for vehicles entering the park on Friday, July 3.

Pavilion rentals at Flora Park, Murphy Park, Eagle Point Park, and all other parks and areas with pavilions will resume effective Monday, July 6. To reserve a pavilion, please contact the City of Dubuque Leisure Services Department at 563.589.4263 or visit www.cityofdubuque.org/pavilionrentals.

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