As with many businesses, PLAY Roanoke has suffered setbacks due to the coronavirus pandemic. Our department’s funding comes from the programs and special events we host as well as taxpayer dollars. Since both the department and the City have experienced a significant decrease in revenue, budget reductions were necessary to continue operations. Here are the major impacts to our department.
Pool Closures
Washington Park and Fallon Park pools closed for FY 2020-21 and possibly 2021-22. However, citizens are currently holdingfundraisers in the hope of opening the pools for the 2021 summer season. To learn more, click here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/keep-roanoke-city-public-pools-open
Youth Athletics
Youth athletics differ from our other programs in that, with the exception of indoor soccer and spring flag football, we do not run the programs in house. Private recreation clubs handle registrations, practices, coaching, uniforms, etc. Our department serves as an arbiter while providing fields, scorekeepers, and officials at no cost to the clubs. This fiscal year, the Department will transition to a field provider only for youth sports. Those organizations offering recreationally based youth team sports will have use of all athletic fields at no additional cost. Competition and travel-based organizations will still have to pay for field usage. Please note that youth athletic programs are still being offered; the only difference is our department’s involvement.
These decisions were not easy ones to make, and we understand the effects they can have on our community. We appreciate the public’s understanding as we work through these difficult times, and we promise to be good stewards of the funds we currently have to bring you the best programs and services possible. If you have specific questions about these changes and how they’re being handled, please contact our main office at 540-853-2236.
