Oak Ridge playgrounds closed to help prevent spread of COVID-19

The City of Oak Ridge announced Monday that playgrounds will be closed to help prevent the potential spread of COVID-19.

Trails, greenways, and parks including tennis courts, basketball courts for passive use (active games aren’t allowed), and Blankenship Field and track remain open for now for walking and jogging, the city said.

Other facilities are under review for possible closure, the city said.

“The public health situation is rapidly changing, here are the latest updates affecting city facilities,” the city said in an updated from Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson.

The city said financial transactions can be handled electronically and by mail. If you need to meet someone, you can call the department’s extension directly. Phone numbers are listed under each department below.

For the latest information on Oak Ridge Schools, click here.

MUNICIPAL BUILDING (Updated 3/20/20)

• For the safety of our employees and the public, the City of Oak Ridge Municipal Building is closed to the public until further notice.
• Departmental services are still on-going, and this precaution should help limit exposure to these employees.
• If you need to reach a department, call the number listed below for each department or click here for a list of all departments.
• All meetings for boards and commissions are canceled until further notice.

UTILITIES (Updated 3/20/20)

865-425-3400

• The lobby to the Utilities Business Office (UBO) is closed until further notice.
• Customers should make payments online or make arrangements by calling (865) 425-3400.
• The closing is expected to continue for several weeks.

CENTRAL SERVICES (Updated 3/24/20)

(865) 425-1875

• For the safety of employees and the public, the Central Services Complex is closed to the public until further notice.
• Public Works and Electrical Department services are still ongoing, and this precaution should help limit exposure to these employees.
• If you need to reach Public Works, call (865) 425-1875 and for the Electric Department, call (865) 425-1803.
• The Annual Citywide Household Trash Pick-up, which was set to begin April 6, has been postponed until further notice. A release will be sent out when a new start date is scheduled.

FIRE DEPARTMENT (Updated 3/20/20)

(865) 425-3520

• All citizen visits and tours to fire stations and headquarters have been suspended.
• Fire administration may be reached via phone at (865) 425-3520.

POLICE DEPARTMENT (Updated 3/20/20)

(865) 425-3504

• The main entrance to the police department is closed to the public.
• To file police reports, citizens should call the police department for guidance at (865) 425-3504.
• Crime tips can still be reported online.

ANIMAL CONTROL (Updated 3/18/20)

(865) 425-3423

• Oak Ridge Animal Shelter is temporarily closed to the public to ensure the safety and health of animals, employees, volunteers, and visitors.
• Animal Control will continue to respond to animal emergencies.
• Adoptions and owner reclaims must be scheduled by calling (865) 425-3423.

SENIOR CENTER

(865) 425-3999

• The Senior Center is closed until further notice.
• As a result, the ETHRA Senior Nutrition Congregate Meal program (on-site meals) was also suspended.
• The ETHRA Senior Nutrition Program Home Delivered Meals (“Meals On Wheels”) will continue.
• The MyRide program is suspended until further notice.

RECREATION & PARKS (Updated 3/30/20)

(865) 425-3450

• Due to surrounding cities closing playgrounds, City of Oak Ridge playgrounds will now be closed until further notice to protect citizens from potentially transmitting and spreading the COVID-19 disease. This closure is effective Monday, March 30. 
• Trails, greenways, and parks including tennis courts, basketball courts for passive use (no active games), and Blankenship Field and track remain open at this time for walking and jogging use.
• The Recreation Center and Scarboro Community Center have been closed to the public since Saturday, March 21, at 6 p.m. and will remain closed until further notice.
• Other facilities are under review for possible closure.
• The Eggspo egg hunt, scheduled for Saturday, April 4, is canceled. It may be rescheduled at a later date.
• Other programs and activities may be subject to postponement or cancellation as the situation develops.
• Restrooms at the following parks are closed until further notice: 
  • The Baseball Complex
  • Big Turtle Park
  • Carl Yearwood Park
  • Melton Lake Park

CENTENNIAL GOLF COURSE (Updated 3/17/20)

(865) 425-3450

• Water coolers at the Centennial Golf Course will remain off the course for the foreseeable future.
• All restrooms on the golf course have been closed.
• Ball washers and putting green flags have been removed.

CITY COURT (Updated 3/20/20)

(865) 425-3536

• All City Court hearings for the month of March will be postponed.
• The City Court Clerk’s office is open for payment via mail. Citizens can send money orders or personal checks to: 

City of Oak Ridge – City Courts

P.O. Box 1

Oak Ridge, TN 37831

• If a payment is past due, only money orders or a cashier’s check is accepted. 
• If you have any questions about what is owed, please call (865) 425-3536.

LIBRARY (Updated 3/24/20)

(865) 425-3455

• The library is closed until further notice.
• Library book drops are also closed. Please keep all library materials at home until the library reopens to the public.
• All due dates have been extended for nine weeks. 
• Library card privileges will not expire during this time so that all patrons can more easily access our online resources. 
• The library staff is currently looking for ways they can continue to provide access to information and resources without endangering anyone’s health. 
• Please check the library’s website and Facebook page for updates as we create these services.
• As always, the online collection of e-books, audiobooks, streaming video, and learning resources will remain available through the website and our online catalog. 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (Updated 3/20/20)

(865) 425-3585

• No in-person assistance.
• Applications for building, planning, and zoning are encouraged and will be accepted via phone or email.

For more information, contact the City Manager’s office at (865) 425-3550.