Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Town of Clifton Park has made the following changes to the Town's Summer schedule of events, activities, and programs.
- The three municipal pools that traditionally open Memorial Day Weekend each year will open for the summer on July 1st. As the new opening date approaches, the Town will assess the viability of opening the pools for the remainder of the Summer.
- The annual Fourth of July festivities will be postponed. Tentatively, the Town will have a fireworks show on the evening of September 5th. The annual parade is also under consideration for September 5th. As Labor Day weekend approaches the Town will assess the viability of having the fireworks show.
- The two June musical performances previously scheduled to be held at the Clifton Common Stage featuring the Clifton Park Community Chorus and The Accents respectively have been cancelled.
- The Town is currently reviewing the possibility of holding Full Day Summer Camp, Half Day Summer Camp, and the many specialty camps offered annually. No decision has been made at this time. New York State has designated Recreation as part of Phase Four of the reopening of the State.
According to a release by the Town of Clifton Park, the State Department of Health hasn't been able to provide guidance concerning permits and approvals necessary to legally open pools, host large scale events or operate Town Camps.
Summer camps aren't scheduled to begin until the end of June. The Town is reportedly considering various options and will have further information by the end of next week.
As for the Fourth of July fireworks display, the town has a limited amount of time to sign a contract with the company that provides the fireworks and if the display doesn't happen after signing the contract, the Town would incur a financial loss.
Clifton Park Town Supervisor Phil Barrett said in a statement, "this announcement is a gut-wrenching message for us to deliver. However, we have no choice. We are hopeful opening the pools and a Town celebration involving fireworks is possible this year, but we cannot guarantee that will be reality."