The third phase of reopening for Hall County government will begin Monday, the county has announced.
Starting Monday, playground equipment, restroom facilities and pavilions managed by Hall County Parks & Leisure will reopen. Residents can book appointments to play basketball or pickle ball at one of the three community centers. Baseball and softball fields can be used for practice on a first come, first serve basis.
"Parks & Leisure staff will sanitize the playground equipment, restrooms and pavilions three times per day. We encourage those enjoying our parks, facilities and greenspace to continue to practice social distancing," Mike Little, the department's director, said.
Also, the public can begin to use computers on an appointment-basis only at Hall County Library System locations. Citizens can also make appointments to conduct genealogy research at the North Hall Technology Center, notary services at the Gainesville branch, proctoring at the Murrayville Library and passport application services at the Blackshear Place branch.
"By using appointments, we can provide citizens with many of the valuable tools our libraries have to offer while limiting the amount of contact between individuals," Lisa MacKinney, the library system director, said.
The Hall County Government Center continues to operate on an appointment basis, though citizens may still attend public meetings, such as county commission and planning board meetings, without an appointment. The Hall County Animal Shelter has also opened for appointments, where citizens can adopt pets and conduct other business with shelter staff.
"Hall County leadership is continuing to analyze this ever-changing public health issue, and, in a prudent manner, will determine how to best reopen government facilities for full public access in the coming weeks," Administrator Jock Connell said. "Obviously, this will be done carefully and thoughtfully in order to protect the health and welfare of our employees and the public."
Residents are still encouraged to conduct business remotely if possible. Many services can be conducted via online conferencing platforms, email or phone.
Hall County shut down all but essential services in March because of the coronavirus pandemic. In recent weeks, it has begun a phased-in reopening of many buildings and services.
