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.

Face Coverings

The Conway City Council voted 8-0 on July 6, 2020 to approve Gov. Asa Hutchinson's model face mask ordinance. The ordinance O-20-35 can be viewed here.

Sample face covering sign: DOWNLOAD HERE.

Understanding Conway’s Face Mask Ordinance

This memo is to clarify the recent Ordinance passed by the Conway City Council.  Conway has been following the lead of state officials and medical professionals throughout this pandemic to best protect the people of Conway. Most recently a debate began about the use of facial coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Recently local governments across this State were encouraged to adopt the Ordinance by Executive Proclamation of Governor Asa Hutchinson. As a part of the statewide effort to enable our State’s economy to recover while ensuring the safety of citizens and a recognition of the crucial role facial coverings play in these efforts.

What the ordinance DOES:

  1. It does require the use of facial coverings in accordance with Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) guidelines.
  2. It recognizes the importance of face coverings in stopping the spread of a virus that has had a devastating impact on our community and our economy.
  3. It does recognize in the science-based judgment of the medical community and infectious disease experts facial coverings do inhibit the spread of this virus.
  4. It does recognize the rights of our business owners to require the use of facial coverings in accordance with the directives and guidance of the ADH.
  5. It authorizes the Conway Police Department to provide assistance when necessary. This support role of law enforcement consists of: (1) EDUCATING about the importance of wearing a facial covering, (2) ENCOURAGING those who refuse to wear a facial covering and (3) ESCORTING a person from the premises at the request of the business owner if they refuse to comply with the guidelines relating to facial coverings

What the ordinance DOES NOT do:

  1. It does not require our citizens to wear a facial covering at all times, only when a 6-foot social distance cannot be assured as per the ADH guidelines.
  2. It does not say that if person refuses to wear a mask, they cannot still support local businesses. A person can take advantage of curbside pick-up, utilize drive throughs, take part in meal and product delivery services, etc.
  3. It does not put an undue burden on any business or any person beyond what is necessary to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
  4. It does not last indefinitely. This facial covering requirement will expire when the ADH says facial coverings are no longer necessary to assisting in controlling the pandemic.
  5. It does not attempt to circumvent the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) but instead comply with it considering the on-going, ever-changing circumstances and issues the pandemic presents.
  6. It does not limit anyone’s ability to eat, shop, socialize, gather, travel, spectate, worship, visit loved ones or friends, go to parks, work, workout or participate in any other activities.

The action by the City Council in approving this Ordinance is therefore consistent with, and an extension of, the statewide efforts of our Governor and Health Secretary to stop the spread of this virus and to restore the economic viability to our community and the citizens who live and work here. The Governor’s proclamation therefore, strikes a balance between two important concerns, individual liberty and the necessity for the greater good to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Splash Pads, Playgrounds, and Restrooms – June 1

  • 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every day
  • 10 children will be allowed on the splash pad at a time for 15 minutes.
  • Once their time is up, they will need to exit through the designated area. If they wish to come back in then they must get back in line.
  • Parents are required to be with their children. Parents must accompany their children into the splash pad area and will not be counted in the number allowed to use the activities.
  • There will be a designated entrance and exit.
  • Parents are responsible for their kids and themselves practicing social distancing. We will have tape on the ground around each activity and only one child should be at an activity at a time.
  • The large drop bucket will not be in operation. This activity gathers children together to stand under a waterfall area. We will not turn this activity on, so children are not temped to gather closely together.
  • Picnic tables, benches, and pavilions are not available for use.
  • Park playground and restrooms are open.
  • Please be respectful of others.

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.
  • On Monday, June 1, Mayor Castleberry signed an executive order establishing a temporary city-wide curfew

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.

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