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By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

CHELSEA – The first phase of the city’s “Reopening Chelsea Responsibly” plan in the COVID-19 pandemic has taken effect.

In his mayor’s report at the May 5 City Council meeting, Mayor Tony Picklesimer shared a list of Chelsea’s recreational facilities set to reopen Wednesday, May 6, nearly a week after Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey downgraded a shelter-at-home order to a safer-at-home order.

“Now that the restrictions have been downgraded, the city of Chelsea would like to give its citizens the opportunity to enjoy and use our recreational facilities with the proper precautions in place,” Picklesimer said. “Although we are all anxious to return to our normal routines, the city of Chelsea will continue to be cautions and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of our citizens and follow the guidelines of the current order.”

The recreational facilities reopening include: city athletic parks, recreational parks and walking trails, the archery park, the outdoor beach volleyball court and the tennis complex.

Residents must continue to adhere to the six-foot social distancing and hand-washing guidelines listed in the governor’s order, and gatherings must be limited to 10 people.

In addition, the state health officer prohibits any activities which use a shared apparatus and equipment.

The Chelsea Community Center remains closed until further notice.

Restroom facilities at the parks will be cleaned twice a day.

For more information about COVID-19 protocols, visit Cityofchelsea.com.

“This action of the partial reopening of our city was unanimous between myself and our council,” Picklesimer said. “We welcome you to get out and enjoy some of our facilities.”