(Richardson, TX) – In an effort to continue to provide mission critical services, while also responding to the needs to limit public exposure to COVID-19, the City of Richardson is announcing revised facility closures and service modifications. The changes impact the City’s Library, Municipal Court and Parks and Recreation Department.

In addition, the City is also suspending all board and commission meetings until April 30, with the exception of City Council and City Plan Commission meetings that are televised and allow for public input through the City Secretary’s Office.

Impact to Library Services

The Richardson Public Library (900 Civic Center Dr.) will start limited services beginning Tuesday, March 17 through March 27, and will be re-evaluated at that time. Access to the Library building will be closed but patrons will be able to check out books through a curbside service that will be offered to patrons who call in their reservations.

The Library’s online and 24-hour book drop-off services are not impacted.

Impact to Parks and Recreation Services

The following Parks and Recreation Department facilities will be closed beginning Tuesday, March 17 through March 27, and will be re-evaluated at that time.

  • Heights Recreation Center (711 W. Arapaho Rd.),
  • Huffhines Recreation Center (200 N. Plano Rd.),
  • Richardson Gymnastics Center (300 E. Arapaho Rd.),
  • And Huffhines Tennis Center (1601 Syracuse Dr.).

Impact to Municipal Court

The Richardson Municipal Court will remain open during normal business hours (Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) but all dockets, hearings, and trials starting March 19, 2020 through April 30, 2020 are being postponed and timing will be re-evaluated later this month. If you are scheduled for a hearing or trial during these dates, please contact the court for alternative options and/or a court date reset.

The court is taking measures to limit the number of people coming in person and utilizing online forms whenever possible and the lobby will continue to process walk-ins for document filings and payments.

For more information about options, to enter appearances online, to make online requests, and/or to find payment options, visit the Municipal Court page at www.cor.net/court or call 972-744-4500.

OTHER MUNICIPAL FACILITY IMPACTS

On Friday, March 13 the City of Richardson announced the following modified, delayed, or cancelled services through April 30, 2020:

  • All Eisemann Center events are cancelled

(***Eisemann customer service / gallery areas remain open***)

  • (***UPDATED 3/16/2020***) Richardson Public Library operating with modified service
    • Services still available
      • Book drop-off
      • Call to reserve a book for curbside pickup
        • Limited to 10 items per vehicle
        • Hours of operation
          • Monday – Saturday
            • 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
          • Sunday
            • 2 – 5:30 p.m.
      • Online services (www.cor.net/library)
      • Some youth services to be offered through Facebook live feeds
        • Call/e-mail for more information
    • 972-744-4350
    • askrichardsonlibrary@cor.gov
    • 900 Civic Center Dr., Richardson, TX
  • (***UPDATED 3/16/2020***) Richardson Municipal Court

(***All dockets, hearings, and trials starting March 19, 2020 through April 30, 2020 are postponed***)

  • (***UPDATED 3/16/2020***) Parks and Recreation facilities are closed
    • All league play is cancelled
    • All facility rentals are cancelled
    • And new pavilion rentals will not be permitted
    • Open areas (example: open park areas, trails, public art) remain open
    • 972-744-4300
    • askrichardsonparks@cor.gov
  • All Senior Center programs are cancelled

(***Senior bus transit offering essential travel only***)

  • Special Events CANCELLED:
    • Richardson Realtors Workshop (April 2, 2020)
    • Richardson Neighborhood Leadership Workshop (April 21, 2020)
    • Trash Bash (April 11, 2020)

* Patrons with questions on specific programs at the above-mentioned facilities are encouraged to make contact to inquire about impacts.

More on Richardson’s Response

The City has activated emergency plans to maintain staffing levels and provide essential services through thoughtful planning for several impact scenarios. The City has already implemented several operational changes to support first responders to safeguard our community from COVID-19 risks and continues to follow guidance from the CDC and other agencies as outlined in the City’s Emergency Management Plan. The plan is developed and coordinated through Richardson’s Office of Emergency Management and includes procedures for responding to the spread of airborne diseases like COVID-19.

OTHER ACTIONS

There are everyday preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the spread of germs and help reduce the risk of transmission of respiratory infections such as this coronavirus.

The following are basic infection prevention measures the City is following:

  • Increased cleaning schedule and sanitation efforts at all City facilities;
  • Promoting hand washing and good hygiene in City facilities, restrooms, and counters;
  • Instituted measures to reduce the social contact and minimize the possibility of exposure;
  • Cancelling or postponing all large, non-essential events, closing library and parks and recreation facilities, and cancelling events typically attended by those 60+ per the CDC recommendations and Dallas County Health Department;
  • Postponing / cancelling non-essential meetings;
  • Suspending advisory board meetings and making accommodations for “social distancing” at mission critical public meetings.
  • Reviewing our Emergency Management Plan to assess and identify current and future needs;
  • Holding daily meetings and planning calls to provide updates and share best practices and concerns moving forward.

(All updates can be found on the City of Richardson’s COVID-19 news page at www.cor.net/coronavirus.)