Residents will have greater flexibility to visit city facilities in Richardson once the state removes business restrictions and its mask-wearing mandate on March 10.

Visitors to city facilities will still be strongly encouraged to wear face coverings, and staff will be required to wear them, Deputy City Manager Don Magner said during a March 8 council briefing.

The following changes at various facilities can be expected to go into effect in the coming days:

City Hall

Staff will continue to handle all city service requests in the Grand Hall. All offices on the first and second floors will remain relegated to employees only.




Library

The library will return to regular occupancy and all four floors will reopen. However, the library is still only open to Richardson residents. Curbside pickup will continue to be available for nonresidents.

Eisemann Center for Performing Arts

Occupancy limits at the Eisemann will increase to 50% in April and 75% in May. Rental organizations whose ticketed performances are already on sale can decide whether or not to up the occupancy limits in theaters. Concession sales and intermissions are still on pause.




Recreation centers, gyms and the Tennis Center

The city will continue to increase occupancy at these facilities as staffing levels are restored. Rooms used to store exercise machines will be emptied and can reopen for classes and other activities. Amenities, such as saunas, will reopen by-appointment only.

Municipal Court

The city will continue to encourage visitors to make requests and file applications online. In-person jury trials will commence no earlier than May.




Animal shelter

The shelter will continue to require appointments for adoptions and surrenders. Volunteers will be allowed back into the facility.

Operations at other facilities, such as the newly renovated Senior Center, Heights Aquatic Center and neighborhood pools are still under review but will reopen soon, Magner said.

For more information on the city's response to COVID-19, visit this link.