Mindy Leary, Gilpin County. Gilpin County residents will be pleased to know the “Rec Center” reopened this week, albeit with reduced services and hours. Residents voted and passed a dedicated Parks and Recreation mill levy of 2.57 that will sunset at the end of 2023. 

A non-profit organization was formed called Friends of Gilpin County Community Center (FGCCC) that has helped orchestrate the institution’s return. FGCCC is also planning long-range sustainable funding of the Community Center campus programs. This includes finding grants for new and continuing programs, as well as working on the creation of a Parks and Recreation District in the future. Additionally, the group will maintain and keep ready the Community Center as an emergency shelter that is Red Cross approved, ADA compliant and ready for animal rescue through GCART (Gilpin County Animal Rescue Team).

A group of 25 volunteers from FGCCC, local 4H clubs and other residents met at the center recently to help with cleaning and prepping for the reopening under guidelines from the state and county health departments.

Phase 1 temporary hours are: Monday and Wednesday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays are reserved for Youth Camp, an after school program.

Many people are asking about the pool hours. The pool will not be open in Phase 1, though the center is looking to hire lifeguards and an Aquatics Coordinator.

Reservations are required to use the center and can be made by visiting gilpincounty.org and looking under “Parks and Rec,” where you will find a helpful video on how to make a one-hour reservation which can include any of the available areas. 

Here are the Covid Protocols:

Facemask required. Properly cover nose and mouth at all times

Social Distance. Stay six feet apart from others that are not in your household. 

Disinfect equipment. Clean before and after each use. All equipment is disinfected at 12 p.m. and at 6 p.m. by staff.

Increase ventilation. Doors will be open, fans on and windows open when able.

Wash hands frequently.

Stay home if you are feeling sick, have a fever or around someone who is sick.

Additionally, keep one machine empty between you and another person when using the fitness equipment. Temperatures will be taken at the front desk upon arrival.

 Admission is being offered for free through March. Regular admission will be determined in the next Gilpin County Commissioners’ Board Meeting.

If all goes well, the center will move on to include low-participant group activities such as fitness classes, pottery, pickleball, and aquatics. Available currently are the gymnasium, track, cardio hall, weight room, fitness studio and licensed child care.

All planning phases and timelines will need to be flexible and follow Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Covid-19 guidelines. Parks & Recreation staff will work closely with Public Health Coordinator Bonnie Albrecht, to make sure operations are keeping residents, guests and employees safe. 

Any questions can be answered by visiting the county website or directed to the staff by calling 303-582-1453.