If you’re 10 or older, you’ll soon need an access card to get into Lawrence Parks and Recreation facilities.
They’re free for Douglas County residents, and if you already have a card for Sports Pavilion Lawrence, you’re set — those cards will work for all the other facilities, too.
Beginning Monday, Aug. 2, anyone ages 10 and up will need to swipe their access cards to get into the city’s recreation facilities and Prairie Park Nature Center. Anyone younger than 10 needs to be accompanied by a cardholder to visit.
Why? “The program is being instituted as a measure of safety and security,” according to a city news release. “Highlighted during the pandemic is the need to have the ability to contact trace should an outbreak occur.”
There are some exceptions: Since the indoor and outdoor aquatic centers have daily admission fees, cards won’t be required to enter them. Those who are enrolled in an LPRD program or renting a facility will not need access cards, either.
How to get your access card:
• Visit any recreation facility during business hours.
• Cards are free with proof of Douglas County residency (the city’s list of documents includes a driver’s license, state-issued ID, current homeowners insurance policy, property tax statement, vehicle registration, mail from university, mortgage or lease document from Lawrence or Douglas County). There is a $5 fee to replace a card.
• Parents/guardians will need to include names of all children applying for a card and give a signature for consent.
• Out-of-county residents may pay $65 per year or a $5 daily admission fee.
