News

Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021

Postponement extended for team sports at Wicomico Civic Center

Team sports programming at the Wicomico Civic Center will be postponed for at least two more weeks.

The decision to extend the postponement of these activities was made by County officials in consultation with the Wicomico County Health Department due to increasing cases of COVID-19.

"This is a critical point of the pandemic," said Lori Brewster, health officer for the Wicomico County Health Department. "The community must remain vigilant in following public health guidelines in order for COVID-19 metrics to improve."

The Civic Center will provide an update on the status of resuming team sports activities on Wednesday, Jan. 20. Updates will be posted to the venue's website and social media outlets.

"We are eager to see team sports return to the Civic Center," said James Simmons, recreation superintendent for Wicomico County Recreation & Parks. "The conditions must improve before these programs resume, but when the time comes, we will be ready."

Wicomico Civic Center Reopening Protocols

The Wicomico Civic Center reopened to the public on Monday, June 15.

"It's a different look and a new way of operating, but the same level of customer service our guests are accustomed to," said Katie Rouse, manager of the Civic Center. "It feels good to be open for business."

The Civic Center is open for small meetings, gatherings and catered events. Per Gov. Larry Hogan's executive order, rooms will be capped at 75% capacity with appropriate distancing (updated Sept. 25, 2020).

Update (posted Sept. 16, 2020): The City of Salisbury's announcement of additional gathering restrictions does not apply to the Civic Center. This order applies to parties, cookouts and other social gatherings that are not associated with patronizing or operating a business of any sort.

In addition to capacity restrictions, the Civic Center has implemented new health and safety protocols for events, including:

• Additional pre- and post-event cleaning and disinfecting
• Entry screenings and temperature checks
• Properly distanced room layouts
• Hand sanitizer stations
• Designated restrooms sanitized before, during and after events
• Enhanced protocols for meal preparation and service

The Civic Center's reopening was a cooperative effort between the venue staff, the Wicomico County Health Department and the Department of Emergency Services.

"Preparing to reopen was an all-hands-on-deck task," Rouse said. "I'm proud of our staff for working hard to make this happen."

With the exception of scheduled events, the building's temporary hours are weekdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. A single point of access is located at the box office entrance. Everyone entering the building is required to wear a mask and complete a screening questionnaire and temperature check.

Civic Center guests should continue to practice social distancing and hand hygiene guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov/).

For more information about hosting a small meeting, gathering or catered event at the Civic Center, contact Stacie Desautels at stacie@wicomicocounty.org or 410-548-4900 x125.

Decisions made by county officials are fluid and can be changed at any time.

The Wicomico Civic Center will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation through regular updates from the Wicomico County Health Department and the Department of Emergency Services. Updates will be shared with the press, as well as posted to department websites and social media outlets.

June 11, 2020 at 4 p.m.

Wicomico County Recreation, Parks and Civic Center to reopen additional facilities

In response to Gov. Larry Hogan's announcement of additional safe and phased reopenings in Maryland, Wicomico County officials will reopen several county facilities beginning Friday, June 12.

Parks

• Park restrooms: Public restrooms at Pemberton, WinterPlace, Schumaker and Cedar Hill parks will reopen Saturday, June 13. Restrooms are accessible daily from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Basketball courts: Parks staff will begin reinstalling hoops and nets at county basketball courts Tuesday, June 16. All courts should be playable by Saturday, June 20.
• Pavilion rentals: Pavilions will reopen Saturday, June 20. Online reservations for pavilion rentals will open Friday, June 12.

Civic Center

• The Wicomico Civic Center will reopen to the public Monday, June 15.
• Temporary building hours will be weekdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Guests must access the building through the box office entrance. This will be the only point of entry.
• Everyone entering the building is required to wear a mask and complete a screening questionnaire and temperature check.

Updates on childcare programs will be released next week.

Guests at county facilities should continue to practice social distancing and hand hygiene guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC; https://www.cdc.gov/).

Decisions made by county officials are fluid and can be changed at any time.

The Wicomico Recreation & Parks Department will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation through regular updates from the Wicomico County Health Department and the Department of Emergency Services. Updates will be shared with the press, as well as posted to department websites and social media outlets.