Uncertainty over Barrett Park summer camp due to outbreak

The Barrett Park Summer Recreation Program was scheduled to hold its next registration day on April 28. However, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, that may not happen, according to Jimmy Fitanzo, director of recreation for the village. Additionally, he said the long-running summer camp program could be cancelled altogether, depending on when state officials decide to lift social distancing restrictions and bans on large public gatherings.

“It would be great for kids to get out and do activities for the program this summer because they have been cooped up inside during this pandemic,” Fitanzo said. “We would be disappointed if the program gets cancelled because a lot of planning goes into this, and the kids look forward to it, but safety comes first.”

If the Barrett Park program, which Fitzano plans throughout the year, goes forward as planned this summer, it would run from July 1 to Aug. 14, and is open to children ages 6 to 12 years old. This summer would be the first during which the camp offers the option for a full-day program running from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in addition to its standard half-day program that runs from 9 a.m. to noon.

Fitanzo said he expects state officials to make any decisions that could affect whether the summer camp program goes forward by the end of April.

“We are in compliance with whatever the CDC and state wants us to do,” he said. “If that means maintaining separation we will do that. We have no choice but to wait and see what happens.”