COVID-19
The City of Conway will follow federal and state recommendations as it pertains to how and when we re-open. Our top priority will be public safety, followed by a safe return to full service to the people of Conway.
The following guidelines are a contingency plan based on the 2020 COVID-19 health pandemic. These guidelines may be changed by city officials per recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control and the State of Arkansas.
Splash Pads, Playgrounds, and Restrooms
We plan to open park restrooms, playgrounds and splash pads for restricted use on Monday, June 1. Restrictions will be announced soon. If our outlook on COVID-19 takes a turn for the worse, then our plan may change.
Phase Two – May 18
Don Owen Sports Center and McGee Center
- 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday through Saturday. Closed from 12:00 to 1:00 for cleaning.
- Basketball courts open for shooting only. No more than two people per court at a time (No exceptions).
- Volleyball courts open. No more than two people per court at a time (No exceptions).
- Walking tracks open. No more than ten people at a time.
- Racquetball courts open for individual practice, but not games. Only one player allowed (Due to the confined space).
- Wally ball court will remain closed.
- Pickle ball courts opened (Only two courts can be used. No middle court). Singles only allowed per court (No exceptions).
- The Don Owen Sports Center will have four half-court basketball courts and two pickle ball courts available.
- The McGee Center will have four half-court basketball courts and two volleyball courts available.
- No equipment will be given out or rented. All users must bring their own.
- Reservations will be required for use of courts and can be made starting at 7:00 a.m. for use that day.
- Staff must regularly sanitize restrooms and common areas.
- Staff interacting with the public must wear a mask.
Conway Tennis Center
- 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday through Saturday
- Doubles allowed
- Staff must regularly sanitize restrooms and common areas.
- Staff interacting with the public must wear a mask.
Dog Park
- Open
- Users must maintain social distancing and follow all directives from Governor Asa Hutchinson and the Arkansas Department of Health.
Rodeo Arena
- No restrooms or concessions. Users must maintain social distancing and follow all directives from Governor Asa Hutchinson and the Arkansas Department of Health.
The following locations will remain closed:
- Splash Pad at Laurel Park
- Splash Pad at Fifth Avenue Park
- Conway Station Park
- City of Colleges Park
- Centennial Soccer Park
- All pavilions
- All playgrounds
- All restrooms
Phase One – May 11, 2020
Conway Tennis Center
- 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday – Friday
- Only four people will be allowed on a court.
- Staff will sanitize restrooms and common areas once per hour
- Staff interacting with the public will wear masks
Lake Beaverfork Park
- Normal boat house operating hours
- Will begin selling yearly permits
- Staff interacting with the public will wear masks
The following locations will remain closed:
- Splash Pad at Fifth Avenue Park & Restrooms
- Splash Pad at Laurel Park & Restrooms
- Don Owens Sports Complex
- Lake Beaverfork Baseball Field
- Lake Beaverfork Park Restrooms
- Centennial Soccer Fields
- Conway Station Park
- City of Colleges Park
- Curtis Walker Park
- Conway Dog Park
- Airport Park
The City of Conway takes the health and safety of our citizens and employees seriously. We are closely monitoring COVID-19 and we will continue to follow the latest guidelines from the CDC, the WHO & Arkansas Department of Health.
For that reason, all City facilities are closed to the public until further notice. Residents and businesses are encouraged to handle business online or by phone. View city department contact information here.
Here are some measures that the City is currently taking to mitigate inconveniences caused by COVID-19 along with slowing its spread in our community:
- As of Monday, March 23, citywide curbside recycling and glass pickup have been suspended. Curbside garbage collection, however, is still operating as scheduled. If you would like to self-recycle you may do so at our Sanitation facility Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. To ensure responsible social distancing measures, all recyclables must be sorted and separated manually by the citizen. Labeled bins are provided at our Sanitation facility. Effective Monday, May 4, citywide curbside recycling and glass pickup resumes.
- On Tuesday, March 24, Mayor Castleberry suspended certain zoning and ordinance restrictions to allow eating establishments to sell food, ingredients, cleaning supplies, paper goods or sundries inside the city limits under certain conditions. Hotels and motels are also covered under this provision. Read more about the revised temporary zoning restrictions here.
- Effective Tuesday, March 24, certain land use regulatory approval processes for the Historic District Commission Review and Subdivision Platting Review have been suspended. You can review the proclamation in its entirety here: Easing of Land Use Regulatory Approvals_3-24-20
- As of Thursday, March 26, all city playgrounds are closed until further notice. Outdoor parks/walking trails are still open but we strongly encourage citizens to be mindful of social distancing from others.
- Effective Friday, March 27, the City's Zagster bike-sharing program has been paused temporarily.
- On Monday, April 13, Mayor Castleberry signed an executive order establishing protocol for public meetings.
- As of Wednesday, April 22, the City of Conway landfill and yard waste facilities are open to the general public. Regular operating hours have resumed.
Best Practices
As a reminder, here are some best practices to protect yourself and help prevent the spread of the virus:
- practice good washing or use hand sanitizer when soap & water are not easily accessible
- cover coughs and sneezes
- avoid touching your face
- stay home if you are not feeling well
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, please contact your healthcare provider immediately.