Noblesville Parks and Recreation wants to keep providing entertainment during the coronavirus pandemic.
“The Movies in the Park Series has been an ongoing tradition in Noblesville for over a decade, and along with our other annual events, we wanted to continue them as much as possible this year, even if it looks a little different to keep our residents healthy and safe,” Recreation Program Coordinator Erin Portman said of the 13th annual series. “We’ve received positive feedback from residents, and overall, they are glad to see the events take place and enjoy the outdoors.”
The first two events in the 13th annual series were Flick ’N Foam events at Forest Park Aquatic Center.
“With all of our events so far this year, attendance has been lighter than last year, but steady from week to week,” Portman said. “We saw about 100 at the (Aug. 21) movie, and last year the movies had an average of 225 attendees.”
The final three movie nights are Sept. 4: “Frozen 2” (PG), Dillon Park, 6351 Midland Lane; Sept. 11: “Dolittle” (PG), Federal Hill Commons, 175 Logan St.; and Sept. 18: “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” (PG), Southside Park, 396 Washington St.
“Instead of one location for the movie series, this year we are bringing the movies to various parks across the city in order to give residents an opportunity to enjoy them closer to home,” Portman said. “With our newest park, Finch Creek Park (Aug. 28 movie site), now open, it gives us opportunities to bring events to residents on the east side of town.”
Attendees are asked to maintain a distance of 6 feet from others.
“All movie locations have large, open, grassy areas that allow guests to spread out comfortably and will easily allow visitors to practice social distancing,” Portman said. “For example, Federal Hill Commons and Dillon Park event lawns can hold up to 4,000 people. Based on previous attendance, we are confident there will be enough room in each park, however, attendees are reminded in accordance with Gov. (Eric) Holcomb’s statewide mask mandate, that masks are required at all outdoor public spaces when social distancing is not possible.”
Portman said other protocols include all staff and volunteers will have their temperatures taken and have a symptom check administered before each shift. Staff will sanitize touch points in the restroom facilities for each movie, including an additional sanitizing clean after each movie. Hand sanitizer will be available for use at the Parks Information Tent.
