BLUE RIDGE, Ga – As Georgia continues to “get back to normal,” residents of Fannin County now have the option to book a visit to the recreation center.

On Monday, May 4, the recreation center opened to the public with several new provisions in place to ensure the safety of all patrons. For now, visitors must have an appointment/reservation for a one-hour time slot at the gym. One individual can only make up to three appointments per week. The times available are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays.

According to Recreation Department Director Eddie O’Neal, only 38 people will be in the whole facility at one time.

Check-in will be conducted outside the front of the recreation center where people will be asked screener questions about COVID-19, proof of residency – Fannin and Polk county citizens only, and temperature check. The front desk person will keep track of each visitor’s time. Hand sanitizer is also available at the desk. People need to maintain social distancing of six feet or more.

Those who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms or have a temperature will be turned away from the facility.

Water and vending machines are closed. Guests can wear masks and gloves if they choose to, but the items will not be provided.

“We want to do it by appointment so that people aren’t just showing up, and we have to turn them away,” explained O’Neal in the April Board of Commissioners meeting.

The inside track only allows 10 walkers/runners/joggers at a time, but the outside track doesn’t require an appointment. Yoga has moved outside and held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10:00 am. Playgrounds are still closed. Silver Sneakers is still canceled.

Fannin County Park, Horseshoe Bend Park, Tammen Park will remain open to walk or ride bicycles every day of the week.

“I think it’s a very thorough plan and a good way for some of our citizens to get out and resume some recreational activities,” said Post One Earl Johnson.

Chairman Stan Helton added, “I want to commend Eddie and his staff. We certainly have some folks that are at risk when they go back out there. It’s a very carefully crafted plan. I think it’s just the right amount of how to open the facility up. We will continue to monitor what is happening in our county with COVID-19.”

See Pickleball and Basketball requirements below:

Pickleball:

• 3 Pickleball courts will be available for reservations. A 1-hour time limit per court and group. Only 4 people allowed per pickleball court. NO spectators allowed.
• Must bring your own equipment. (paddles & balls, water)
• You may only play 3 times per week.
• No Open play.

Basketball:

• Must have reserved a time slot prior to entering.
• Maximum of 4 people per ½ court will be allowed to ensure social distancing. This number includes spectators.
• NO games, scrimmages, or physical contact allowed.
• Must bring your own basketballs and water.
• You may only play 3 times a week.

The following will remain closed at the parks until further notice.

• Pavilion rentals or use
• Playground use
• Organized sports

Baseball Fields

Call 706-946-1130 to reserve a time. Pickleball and basketball players must bring their own equipment.