Some outdoor activities return
Local outdoor businesses authorized to reopen under an order from Gov. Tim Walz are doing so while taking care to follow guidance on COVID-19 prevention.
Facilities allowed to reopen or remain open under the April 17 order include bait shops, outdoor shooting ranges and game fairs, public and private parks and trails, golf courses and driving ranges, and boating and off-highway vehicle services.
“It’s important for us to stay active and enjoy the outdoors while preventing the spread of COVID-19,” Walz said in a news release. “This measure will allow Minnesotans to take advantage of more opportunities to get outside, while still doing their part to keep their neighbors healthy.”
The order’s impact was felt locally almost immediately. The Jewel Golf Club opened for the season the following day. Lake Pepin Golf Course opened Sunday, April 19. Mt. Frontenac Golf Course is also open. Lake City Golf Club is under new ownership and plans to open Thursday, April 30.
Dave Schmidt of Lake Pepin Golf Course said there had been a fair amount of play there since reopening.
The course was ready and could have opened in late March if not for the pandemic, he said.
COVID-19 guidelines are in effect. Golfers are required to stand six feet from one another. Only family members may share a cart. There are no ball washers, trash cans, or rakes on the course.
“Nothing that people can touch that would allow something to get transfered,” he said.
Schmidt said tournaments and league play are on hold until they are allowed by the state.
Jewel General Manager Keith Kalny said play was steady at that course.
The club house, pro shop and restaurant remain closed.
Signage at the club reminds riders to maintain social distance. Rakes, water coolers, ball washers, and other “touch points” are absent.
A section of pool noodle in the holes allows golfers to retrieve their ball without touching the cup or the flag stick.
“We’re happy to be open and looking forward to giving people a recreational opportunity during these uncertain times and doing it with all the precautions that should be done,” Kalny said.
Lake City Marina announced on Facebook that it will begin launching boats on Monday, April 27. Owners can call 651-345-4211 to schedule an appointment.
Marina Administrator Jeff Brand said the plan had been to begin May 4, but the governor’s announcement gave them the green light to start a week earlier. He expects to finish launching boats about two weeks after the usual deadline of Friday of Memorial Day weekend because the shelter in place order has kept owners from working on their boats.
Replacement work on the 300 dock continues, but he said he can house boats from that dock in other slips temporarily.
Sewer and water hook-up for Marina Point residents is expected on April 27, he said.
Looking farther out, Tour de Pepin has been postponed until Sept. 26, according to the Lake City Chamber of Commerce, which spearheads the annual ride around Lake Pepin. (See related story on page 7)
Chamber Executive Director Michelle Larson said there had been no decision yet to postpone or cancel Water Ski Days, another Chamber event.