Like many things, COVID-19 had an impact on recreational programming in 2020. Programs were limited in communities across Minnesota due to the restrictions in place during the pandemic. While some restrictions continue, they aren’t currently expected to limit those programs this summer.
Parks and Recreation Supervisor Scott Butt said the City of Crookston is putting last year in the rearview mirror as things return to a more normal feel. “Definitely, last year was a strange year,” said Butt. “Trying not to look back on it as much as possible and move on from it. We plan to open as a normal year by following the governor’s guidelines and those types of things. We plan to have all our programs open and running. I think it’s important we get the kids and adults out and have recreational opportunities. And try to live life as normal as we can.”
The plan is to have all youth programs running this summer, although some will still need a few modifications. “Youth programming, we have our t-ball, baseball, and softball,” said Butt. “Club Kid has always been a big one for us, our tennis program, golf. A lot of the activities are very similar for the kids. Trying to make some adjustments to them. With Club Kid, we probably can’t take as many field trips as we have in the past due to the COVID regulations. So, looking to do some more activities in town that are more accessible for the kids to do. We could really sit down and say – how can we do this; how can we make this work – with the guidelines. It’s been an interesting experience getting it ready. We’re excited to get going with those for the kids and get kids out to play.”
For adult programming, Crookston will host the Class E Men’s State Softball Tournament in 2021, and they’re also offering a couple of new leagues. “We’re bringing back softball,” said Butt. “The men’s softball was actually starting to grow again, and then last year we had to shut it down. Last year we were scheduled to have the Class E Men’s State Tournament in town, and we lost it, but the MSF (Minnesota Sports Federation) was good enough to give it to us again this year, so we’ll have the Class E Men’s Softball tournament in town. We’ve got our women’s sand volleyball that has been a big one for us. New this year, if we can get the teams, is we’re offering a co-ed sand volleyball league and a men’s sand volleyball league.”
Additionally, a few programs that could not happen last fall have been scheduled for late spring. “Last fall, we lost our fifth and sixth-grade tackle football, so we’re offering that next month,” said Butt. “We have that open for signup right now. So, if a kid missed it and wants to be in it, we’ve got that as more of a spring activity. You’ll be able to get that in and still go into baseball and softball, and those types of things. All of the towns we play have all jumped in and are excited and onboard to do it. One thing with Club Kid that started a couple of years ago is that we’re going five days a week. We’re Monday-Friday with us shutting it down at noon on Friday. Another thing that’s a nice amenity to our community is we have our canoe and kayak launches along the river. If you look in the fun finder, it shows where they are located. We’ve got some excellent spots to portage in and out and to fish. Those are some things we’re hoping people will take advantage of.”
Additional information on summer programming is available online, on the phone, or by stopping by City Hall. “You can go online to the City of Crookston webpage (here),” said Butt. “You can register online (here), and the fun finder is online (here and below). You can also call down here and talk to us at 281-1242, and Andrea (Prudhomme) and I can hopefully answer any questions you might have. We will be back open for park shelter rentals this year after shutting them down last year. They’re open for family reunions and that type of stuff. Or if you have ideas for a program, call us.”
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