Islamorada entered a phase two reopening of Founders Park beginning May 18. Further south in the village to the Fills, Indian Key Fill boat ramp opened for public use last week.
It’s the latest in a gradual reopening of Islamorada to local residents. The village has fared well throughout the pandemic with only two cases of COVID-19 seen to date, per the latest Florida Health Department report. The case reported in the county was on March 20.
At Founders Park, village council agreed with staff in opening the Ron Levy Aquatic Center for aquatic fitness activities only on May 18. Activities include lap swimming, water aerobics and water jogging, according to Maria Bagiotti, Founders Park director. The aquatic center isn’t open for recreational swimming and families enjoying a day poolside just yet.
“Just aquafit,” Bagiotti said. “Classes and just fitness, period.”
Park staff will conduct brief COVID-19 screenings before patrons are permitted to enter the aquatic facility. The screening includes verbal questions and temperature check with a no-touch thermometer. This added measure is intended to provide an extra level of comfort for pool users. All village staff will have temperature checks upon arrival to work.
The aquatic center is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. The pool’s closed on Sundays.
Per the village, pool users must limit swimming to one hour maximum, limit lap swimming to one swimmer per lane at a time and bring their own swimming equipment. Restrooms are open, but locker facilities and showers remain closed.
“I think this is really a positive move for the community,” said Vice Mayor Ken Davis. “Everybody has done social distancing. They’re wearing masks. We’ve been very lucky, but we’ve been lucky because we’ve worked hard at it. I think this is a nice little reward to the community
The splash pad, water slide, diving boards and water basketball remain closed.
The park office also opened beginning May 18 for limited business, including issuance and renewals of park resident ID cards, resident memberships and nonresident pool memberships. Patrons must wear face coverings when entering the office and follow one-way entrance and exits. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Among the park amenities open to local residents are the tennis courts, basketball court, pickleball court
At MM 78, Indian Key Fill boat ramp is now open for use with parking in the lot limited to parallel parking for vehicles with trailers. The remainder of the Fills, the roadway and adjacent land along U.S. 1 connecting Upper Matecumbe and Lower Matecumbe Keys, remains closed. No parking or recreational use of the area is allowed at this time.
