Lake Country Family Fun has written this article to provide information of what is open, and therefore what family fun can be had. This article is not a comprehensive legal summary of the status of opening Wisconsin. Refer to the Wisconsin Supreme Court decision and your local government website for information and laws. Refer to the CDC’s website for information on staying safe and being protected from COVID-19 and other communicable diseases in our community. We are not offering medical advice or guidance.
With the reopening of Wisconsin after the Wisconsin Supreme Court decision on May 13, 2020, many local families are wondering about the status of summer camps, city pools, libraries, local stores, restaurants and more. Please note that Lake Country Family Fun has been in communication and will be in communication with many of our local government agencies and entities, specifically the City of Oconomowoc, the Delafield Chamber of Commerce, Positively Pewaukee, the Village of Sussex, and the Village of Hartland. They are working very quickly to make plans for public parks, restrooms, beaches, splash pads, etc to open…all while taking public health into consideration. As we know more, we’ll update this guide.
It is important to understand and remember that while businesses and public and private places can be open, many local businesses may still choose to cancel events or programming and delay their re-opening at their discretion. Social/physical distancing precautions are still encouraged when out in public. We encourage all community members to be patient, kind, and caring at this time.
Governor Evers mandates mask wearing indoors, effective August 1st through November 21, 2020.
- Face coverings should be worn anytime one is present in a room with someone outside their household.
- Face coverings are strongly recommended when not possible to maintain physical distancing.
- Face coverings should be worn by anyone over the age of 5 years old, who does not have a medical condition, disability, or other sensitivities that would prevent person from wearing a face covering.
- There are some additional exceptions, such as members of the clergy giving a religious presentation, people who are swimming and lifeguards, people who are receiving dental services, etc…
Read more:
https://twitter.com/GovEvers/status/1288900014224228353/photo/1
The official order can be viewed HERE.
CLICK or TAP HERE to watch the Live Briefing at 1:30 pm on July 30, 2020.
—
Governor Evers signed a new order limiting capacity in restaurants, bars, and stores to 25%. The limited capacity will run from Thursday, October 8th through November 6th, 2020.
The official order can be viewed HERE.
Guidelines of the reopening of Wisconsin
While surrounding counties (Milwaukee) and communities may be extending versions of a “safer at home order”, Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow has put out this statement. In the statement, Mr. Farrow does not put any restrictions on businesses, and also encourages them to follow guidelines provided by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and consider best practices as they plan to re-open for both their employees and prospective customers/clients. Gatherings of 100 or more people should still be avoided.
Therefore Waukesha County is essentially “open”. Please also note that individual communities can put out their own regulations and orders. Check with your local community leadership for your specific rules. Again, we are in contact with many local municipalities and will update as we know more. Thus far, many Waukesha communities have either stated that they will not place restrictions on businesses or they are asking their communities to be patient as they make a plan for moving forward.
When the end date of May 26th was announced, Lake Country Family Fun noticed it was 40 days from April 16th. So in an effort to create positivity and lift spirits, we created a Facebook challenge group called, “The Great Lake Country 40 Day Safe at Home Challenge”. This challenge has now ended as it is past May 26, but what an amazing activity to encourage people to interact while promoting positivity and health.
What's OPEN in Waukesha County:
Our understanding or interpretation of what this means for parents/families:
The 2019 – 2020 school year will not resume and people should not utilize public school buildings or programming until after June 30, 2020 (which has been defined as the end of the school year). Despite the “safer at home” order no longer being in effect, the part regarding schools being closed remains in effect.
*Many school districts continue to provide meals to children. Please contact your local school district regarding meal offerings during the remainder of the school year. READ ABOUT FALL 2020 SCHOOL.
LIBRARIES
Libraries are now shifting from curbside pickup to opening their lobbies and full in-library access. Find information on individual Waukesha County libraries HERE. Find information on the summer reading programs HERE. *Lake Country Family Fun has partnered with Bridges Library System to promote their Summer Reading Programs!
Golf COURSES
Golf courses are open.
PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS
Many State Parks have reopened as of May 1, 2020. Bathrooms are now open at most state park locations.
Waukesha County Parks have been open with social distancing to be practiced.
The status of city parks and playgrounds can be found HERE.
*The City of Muskego put out a press release indicating that the public restrooms at their outdoor recreation facilities (parks) will be open as of Monday, May 18.
*Village of Wales playgrounds are now open for use. Please note that we are not cleaning or sanitizing equipment and that the CDC guidelines advise against playground use. Playground gatherings should not exceed 100 people as recommended by Waukesha County.
MOVIE THEATERS
Marcus Movie Theatres will be reopening 4 WI theatres, including one in Waukesha County: Marcus Ridge on June 19, 2020.
These initial locations feature enhanced protocols in accordance with current local health and safety guidelines, and will help fine-tune future phases of theatre reopenings which are coming in the weeks ahead, and in time for summer blockbusters based on when studios release new films.
“We continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of Marcus Theatres and Movie Tavern by Marcus guests and associates, and have been very thoughtful about the reopening process we are implementing,” said Rolando Rodriguez, chairman, president and CEO of Marcus Theatres. “We know people are eager to return to theatres for movies on the big screen provided they feel confident that we’ve created a safe and comfortable environment – and that consumer confidence is very important to us. The steps are in place, associates are trained, and we are now ready and excited to welcome guests back.”
As part of the initial reopening experience, Marcus Theatres is introducing its “Movie STAR” approach,
which incorporates new health and safety measures and is in alignment with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. Everyone can be a Movie STAR and play a role in creating a safe environment with social distancing (S); Thorough cleaning (T); App and website ordering of tickets, food and concessions for no-to-low contact interactions (A); and respecting each other by following these new protocols (R). Policies and guidelines will continue to evolve with time and will be assessed and updated on an ongoing basis. For the most up-to-date information visit www.MarcusTheatres.com/ReOpening.
Silverspot Cinema at The Cornes of Brookfield – open
RESTAURANTS
Restaurants have been limited in their capacity down to 25%. Find this guide up-to-date with 300+ restaurants in the Waukesha County area.
Blaze Pi Day-Pie Day deal has been changed to allow customers to use the deal from March 16- December 31, 2020, so there is not a long line and crowd. Details can be found HERE.
DAYCARES/CHILD CARE
Daycares may be open. Some may still be operating with limit capacities.
Summer camps have been pivoting. Many have cancelled, some have moved to a virtual option, and some are planning on happening as originally intended. Please vote in our poll on summer camp offerings HERE.
HEALTH CARE/DENTAL
Dental offices have been opening up. Your office will be contacting you or if you need to find a dental office, you may now call for regular appointments.
FARMER MARKETS
Farmer Markets have been happening in some communities. More are opening up in the coming weeks.
OUTDOOR SEASONAL ATTRACTIONS
Outdoor seasonal attractions are starting to open for the season. Green Meadows Petting Farm opened May 29.
The Shalom Wildlife Center in West Bend is open.
The Milwaukee County Zoo is reopened on June 13.
FITNESS CENTERS
Exercise boutiques, gyms, and workout facilities are starting to make plans to open.
*The YMCA of Greater Waukesha County plans to re-open its four Waukesha County locations in Mukwonago, Waukesha, Menomonee Falls, and New Berlin, as well as its Y Children’s Academy day care on Wednesday, May 20.
*Pabst Farms YMCA is open.
*Pure Barre Delafield is hosting in-studio classes starting May 18.
*Lifetime Fitness Brookfield opens May 25
*Burn Boot Camp Waukesha: Grand Opening June 1
*Burn Boot Camp Oconomowoc and Lake Country: May 26
*Parkers Place Oconomowoc is open
INDOOR PLAY PLACES
Indoor play places are slowly starting to open up. Read about these 3 popular attractions: Monkey Joe’s, Kids in Motion, and Helium Trampoline Park.
Waukesha Skateland re-opened on May 28, 2020.
CHURCH AND WORSHIP SERVICES
In person church worship services may start to happen. Look to your church for their guidance and leadership as they move forward.
HAIR SALONS
At this time hair salons and all businesses, essential and non-essential can be open. They are not required to have protocols in place by the state government, unless their local government requires. However, many businesses are approaching this situation with great care and concern for both their business and their customers, wanting to ensure all safety protocols are in place before re-opening or fully opening, pending their current status.
*Snips and Giggles in Oconomowoc is open as of Monday, May 18.
*Pigtails and Crewcuts in Brookfield is open as of May 18 at 1:00 pm.
BANKS
Bank Five Nine (formerly First Bank Financial Centre) re-opened their branch lobbies on June 15, 2020.
- Check out Lake Country Family Fun’s Virtual Playdates for fun at home.
- Visit WI state or County parks and employ social distancing guidelines and get in nature and fresh air. Also, please ensure that you clean up after yourself and leave no litter.
- View 40+ Ideas for Social Distancing fun at home here, including a fun neighborhood scavenger hunt.
- Pick up a Curbside meal (300+ local ideas here).
- Many restaurants may be open. The Wisconsin Tavern League issued a note, for their members to be open effective immediately on May 13. Some are. Some are not. Please do only what you feel comfortable doing for your family given your unique circumstances.
- This is a fluid and ever-changing situation. Please be patient and exercise respect.
- Do a neighborhood scavenger hunt
- Beautify your yard and/or plant a garden
- Library Fun – Digital & Curbside style – plus, now, online summer reading program!
- Book a Tee Time at the Club at Lac La Belle and golf for fun outside!
- Visit the Shalom Zoo for outside family fun.
- Help others (that’s always fun!)
- Learn how to make playdough at home
- Have the awesome Kona Ice folks stop by your house/neighborhood!
We’re open to more family fun ideas!
Comment below, contact us through social media, or use the contact form below to email us!
When going back out in our communities, please practice proper hygiene including washing your hands with soap for 20 seconds, avoiding touching your face, and staying home when not feeling well. Please also consider other healthy lifestyle tips such as getting plenty of sleep and eating more healthfully and mindfully. Remember to breathe and relax and laugh, too.
In our home we love to practice many healthy habits like eating lots of fruits and vegetables and moving our bodies through structured exercise or free play.
Wishing health and happiness to all the families in the community!
List of 2020 Cancelled or Rescheduled Major Local Events:
- Lake Country Community Fest has been rescheduled for September 26, 2020.
- Summerfest has been cancelled in 2020.
- Burlington Chocolate Fest has been cancelled for Memorial Day weekend.
- The Oconomowoc 4th of July Parade has been cancelled.
- Waukesha 4th of July Fireworks have been cancelled.
- Movies in the Park New Berlin Summer Series suspended.
- Lisbon Community Festival has been cancelled.
- Riverfest in Watertown has been cancelled.
- Milwaukee Lakefront Fireworks on July 3, 2020 have been canceled.
- Cedarburg’s Strawberry Festival has been canceled (it was scheduled for June 27-28, 2020). There may be a virtual option happening.
- The 50th annual Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts has been canceled (it was scheduled for August 15-16, 2020).
- The Oconomowoc German Christmas Market held on Thanksgiving weekend has been canceled.
- EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2020 canceled.
- Cedarburg’s Maxwell Street Days for May 24 and July 12: Canceled
- Kettle Moraine Days in Eagle: Cancelled
- Waukesha Civic Band Concert Series: Canceled in June and July
- Waukesha Monday Night Movies in the Park: Canceled in June and July
- Waukesha Tribute Tuesday Concert Series: Canceled in June and July
- Pewaukee 4th of July Festivities have been cancelled.
- Port Washington Fish Day: Canceled
- Fests: Irish Fest, Pride Fest, German Fest, Greek Fest are canceled for 2020.
- The Gemuetlichkeit Days Festival in Jefferson scheduled for September 2020 is cancelled.
- Noah’s Ark is closed for the remainder of the 2020 season.
List of 2020 Businesses that have closed indefinitely:
- Between the Lakes in Okauchee announced that they will be closing in May 2020.
- Barre District Lake Country in Pewaukee announced that they will be closing their doors as of May 2020.
- Sweet Dreams in Hartland will be closing June 20th, 2020. They are actively looking for a buyer. They FOUND A BUYER!! Sweet Dreams will remain OPEN!
- Uptown Art in Sussex announced that they will not be reopening their doors.
- Perkins in Delafield has closed.
- Tobin’s in Oconomowoc is closing.
- Ben Franklin in Oconomowoc is closing.
- Pump it Up in Brookfield have closed permanently.
- Tuesday Morning in Pewaukee will be closing in August permanently.
- 1863 Coffee Saloon and Cafe in Eagle will close its doors on August 23, 2020.
- The Jelly Belly Factory will be closing. A liquidation sale starts on August 3, 2020.
- Brookfield Fuddrucker’s
- The Waukesha location of Murf’s Local.Quality.Eats is being closed on August 4 permanently and being sold. Brookfield location still open.
- Abundant Life Child Care
