Numerous new safety protocols and preventative measures implemented to help protect public and city staff

City of Southfield offices will begin a phased re-opening to the public with limited access beginning on Monday, June 15, 2020 with the lifting of the Governor’s Executive Stay-at-Home Order. The 46th District Court, Parks & Recreation Department and Southfield Public Library will remain closed to the public at this time with gradual re-openings yet to be determined.

Numerous new public safety protocols, procedures and social distancing barriers have been put into place, including safe social distancing floor stickers installed throughout all public areas as well as floor tape directing foot traffic and interaction. Safety glass partitions have been installed in all public buildings throughout the Donald F. Fracassi Municipal Campus to reduce exposure and contact while providing a safer customer service interaction for both residents and city staff.

“The health, safety and welfare of the community is of the utmost importance,” added City Administrator Fred Zorn. “We have taken every measure available to help ensure the safety of both the public and staff, including more than $250,000 in facility upgrades and improvements designed to provide that level of protection.”

City departments have submitted Resumption of In-Person Service and Continuity of Operations Plans (COOPs) to Administration which have been integrated into the City’s overall COVID-19 Response and Operations Resumption Plan.

All individuals will be required to wear facemasks and to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) before entering any city office or facility. If anyone is symptomatic, they are prohibited from entering city buildings.

Under the Governor’s Emergency Declaration Order, all City facilities (including City Hall, 46th District Court, Southfield Public Library, Parks & Recreation Building, Sports Arena, etc.) have been closed to the public since March 14, 2020. During the Stay-at-Home Order, City Hall operated during minimum core hours Monday - Thursday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. with the exception of the Building, Planning and Engineering Departments which have been fully operational since May 7, 2020 with the lifting of construction restrictions. All essential public safety and public works services departments continued to function as normal. Other city departments and staff also continued to work remotely. Residents were still able to conduct most city business online and through the City's drop box 24/7 as well as via phone during the City Hall core hours. 

City Purchases New Fire Trucks & EMS Units

Public safety remains a top priority of the Mayor, City Council and City Administration.  The Fire Department recently received $4.4 million in new equipment to keep Southfield safe and secure.  “We want our first responders to be well-equipped so that they are able to protect life and property when called upon,” added Mayor Ken Siver.

After many months of custom preparation, the department recently took possession of four new pumper trucks and one ladder truck at a cost of $3 million dollars. The Fire Department also just received five new EMS/Life Support units with seven Life Pack Cardiac Heart Monitors, ten Lucas CPR devices and five Stryker Power Stretchers. The Council approved these purchases last year at a cost of $1.4 million in the ongoing effort to provide the highest level of public safety service.

City Council and Other Public Meetings

The Southfield City Council has continued to meet every Monday since March 23 via public teleconference. Residents can listen to the council meeting live online on City Cable 15 or through the City's website at: http://southfield.cablecast.tv/CablecastPublicSite/watch/1?channel=2. Residents may also call in at (248) 796-5152 to make public comment.  Public meetings of the city council and city boards and commissions will continue to be conducted virtually until further notice. The City Council agendas and meeting schedule are available on the city’s website at www.cityofsouthfield.com. 

Southfield Parks & Recreation Department Operations Update

Parks & Recreation staff has been closely monitoring and following Governor Whitmer’s Executive Orders while putting best practices and safety protocols in place to keep residents and staff safe. The P&R team has also been working hard to provide recreation experiences virtually for residents to enjoy in the safety of their homes through the Stay INterActive program on Facebook.     

In an effort to keep the community safe, Parks & Recreation has cancelled all summer programming, including all classes, programs, camps, special events, athletic leagues and senior programs and trips through at least August 31, 2020. The Southfield Sports Arena pool will also be closed for the season; however, Evergreen Hills Golf Course and all Southfield parks and nature preserves will remain open.

“Parks & Recreation staff will continue to monitor the Governor’s Executive orders, CDC and county guidelines along with our city officials’ guidance regarding future programming and the appropriate time for the safe reopening of our facilities,” commented Southfield Parks and Recreation Director Terry Fields.

Southfield Parks & Recreation will be offering a number of virtual classes and programs, from gymnastics and dance to adult fitness and senior activities. For class fees and registration information, visit the Virtual Program Guide online at www.cityofsouthfield.com/departments/parks-recreation beginning the week of June 15.

Parks are open from dawn to dusk and there are no park entrance fees. Please note that while at the park, amenities including playground equipment are not sanitized. Park visitors are reminded to continue to follow CDC’s safety guidelines by wearing masks, practicing social distancing of at least 6 feet from other individuals at all times and washing your hands following your visit.

Evergreen Hills Golf Course is open to the public daily, weather permitting, from 8 a.m. to dusk. All tee times must be booked and paid in advance with a credit card by calling (248) 796-4666.  Beech Woods Driving Range, Municipal Campus Tennis Courts and the Community Garden at Mary Thompson Farm are also all open as well.

Parks & Recreation staff have developed a virtual recreation program, Stay INterActive, that features daily activities, arts & crafts, games, helpful links, video tips and more. Visit Facebook @SouthfieldParksandRecreation to see how you can Stay INterActive Southfield. Residents are also encouraged to check out:

• On The Go Programs sponsored by DENSO

Register your child for this program and “drive through” to pick up your Camp on the Go kit containing a week’s worth of “camp-like” activities and games for children ages 5-13 to do in the safety of their own homes. This is a fee-based program.

• Recreation on the Move – In a Bag!

Recreation in a Bag lets you enjoy your favorite park crafts and games at home or in the park at a safe distance from each other.

• A Walk in the Parks – All ages!

Summer is here! It’s time to get out and explore our great Southfield parks and public art on foot. Meet Cathy at a different park on Thursday mornings in July and August for a leisurely walk with friends.

• Summer Music Streaming Series sponsored by the Southfield City Centre

Tune in to Southfield City Cable 15 and the @SouthfieldParksandRecreation Facebook page on select Friday evenings throughout the summer and we will bring the “live” music to you!

• Gazebo Concert Rewind

We are teaming up with City Cable 15 to bring you Gazebo Concerts from years past. Tune in starting in July to see some great not so live music!

For more information, continue to check www.cityofsouthfield.com or call Southfield Parks & Recreation at (248) 796-4620.

Southfield Public Library Operations Update

The Southfield Public Library is working hard to welcome Southfield and Lathrup Village residents back to the building safely as soon as possible. Even though the building itself may currently be closed, the Library’s virtual services are open right now, 24/7! 

Patrons can access e-books and magazines, audiobooks, movies, music, children’s resources, and research tools with their library card. Visit the Library’s website at www.southfieldlibrary.org and social media to discover what is waiting for you! Don’t have a Southfield Library card yet? Don’t worry: the Library will soon be offering a new temporary e-card for use while the Library is closed.

The Library will soon also be offering drive-up service again! Book drops are now open to return library materials and no fines are currently being assessed. Patrons will soon be able to request items from the Youth, Fiction, or Reference floors and have them held at the drive-up window for pick-up. This service will run during regular hours of operation yet to be determined. Please continue to visit www.southfieldlibrary.org and social media for further updates. Please note: the Library cannot accept donations at this time. 

The Southfield Public Library is pleased to continue the popular Urban Fiction and Creecy adult book discussion groups in addition to Storytimes and crafts for all ages in a new virtual format. The Library will also be launching virtual Summer Reading for adults and children in mid-June. 

For more information, continue to visit www.southfieldlibrary.org, check in on social media or call Southfield Public Library at (248) 796-4200.