Hopkinsville, Ky. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The first of three reopening phases began Monday, as the Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation Department started making select parks and areas available to the public. The majority of Parks and Recreation facilities had been closed since March 15 following the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent Governor-mandated shutdowns.

Phase I of the reopening structure kicked off June 1 with green spaces, pavilions at DeBow Recreational Complex and Ruff Park, restrooms, disc golf courses at DeBow and Trail of Tears Park, Hopkinsville Skatepark, Thomas Street Rec Center, Second Street Community Building and Planters Bank-Jennie Stuart Health Sportsplex all coming back open for public use.

All rentals and usage remain limited to 10 people or less, per current state guidelines. Due to state competition restrictions and regulations, all outdoor basketball courts remain closed until August.

“It was a really good feeling to already see some folks outside on the DeBow soccer fields Monday morning,” said Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation Superintendent Tab Brockman. “We are very proud of the community’s facilities, and it’s been difficult to watch them go unused. We are thrilled to begin the process of letting people return to the local parks, and rediscovering our wonderful community.”

The reopening plan’s Phase II, scheduled for June 15, will add tennis courts and select playgrounds to the fray. Phase III, set for July 1, will begin expanding group sizes to at least 50. Hoptown’s Parks and Recreation Division has been integral to the Commonwealth’s overall reopening plan, helping to serve on a Kentucky Recreation and Parks Society (KRPS) pandemic task force.

All Sportsplex activities, including basketball shoot-arounds, batting cages and indoor cornhole, are currently appointment-only. Call 270-985-1700 for more information or to book your spot.

For all other Parks-related questions and reservations, call 270-887-4290 or check out updates on the Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation Facebook page. A revised list of local events can be found at www.HoptownRec.com.