For Immediate Release: April 1st, 2021

UTICA MAYOR ROBERT PALMIERI & ROME MAYOR JACKIE IZZO ANNOUNCE REOPENING OF CITY PARKS FOR SPORTS & RECREATION ACTIVITIES

Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri and Rome Mayor Jackie Izzo today announced that due to declining COVID infection rates, and rising vaccination rates, both municipalities will allow sports and recreational activities on city facilities this month.

Basketball and tennis courts will be open in both Utica and Rome beginning tomorrow, Friday April 2nd.  

Both municipalities are targeting Monday April 19th to open city parks for all other sports, including soccer, football, baseball and softball.  This date is subject to the weather and the impact it has to the field conditions within city parks.  
 
In the City of Utica, a permit is required to utilize a city park/field (use of basketball courts do not require a permit).  Residents can apply for a permit by calling 315-738-1342 or by e-mailing Rebecca Duval at rduval@cityofutica.com.  

In the City of Rome, permits are not required to reserve fields but it is recommended residents contact the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Activities for availability.  The Department can be reached at 315-339-7656.  

In coordination with Oneida County Department of Health, organizers of sports teams are required to submit health and safety plans for their respective teams in order to utilize a city park/facility.  Organizers of sports teams, including but not limited to, adult softball, youth baseball, youth soccer, etc. must contact the city (Utica or Rome) before announcing any league activities.  

In addition, all organizers of local sports must affirm they have read and will abide by New York State Department of Health guidelines.  While sports will be permitted, a respective city park/facility cannot exceed a maximum occupancy of 100 people.  

Mayor Palmieri and Mayor Izzo are also coordinating with state and local health officials to determine when senior centers can safely reopen.  

In addition, to promote the health and safety of their workforces, Mayor Palmieri and Mayor Izzo plan on reopening Utica and Rome City Halls once every city employee who wishes to receive a vaccine has the opportunity to do so.

All plans are subject to change depending on the fluctuation of our local infection rate.   

Mayor Palmieri stated, “I am pleased Mayor Izzo and I can announce the reopening of our city parks.  This is an important milestone as we strive to transition back to normal as quickly, but safely as possible.  It is important we continue to be diligent in our fight against COVID, and keep ourselves and neighbors safe, by observing all public health guidelines.  Mayor Izzo and I will continue to engage with state and local partners and update the public as we move forward.”

Mayor Izzo stated, “Mayor Palmieri and I have been in close communication throughout the pandemic to promote continuity and availability of constituent services in our respective cities. With our infection rates coming down and vaccination rates trending upwards, we are excited to begin reopening our facilities so that the public may enjoy our great parks systems and outdoor recreation activities. As we reopen facilities, we implore our citizens to continue virus mitigation measures of masking when appropriate, social distancing and handwashing. Mayor Palmieri and I appreciate the quick responses we receive from our partners at Oneida County and New York State as announcements are made that allow local municipalities to loosen virus restrictions currently in place, and we will continue to collaborate in the next several months.”