Oahu Gyms Scheduled to Reopen for Permitted Use

The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is pleased to announce gymnasiums are scheduled to reopen for permitted use next month, along with active use of smaller indoor facilities in November.

The phased reopening of indoor City park facilities for permitted, public use is scheduled under the following timeline:

• Monday, Sept. 27 – DPR begins accepting permit applications for use of gymnasiums
• Monday, Oct. 4 – DPR fall classes begin
• Monday, Oct. 11 – DPR begins accepting permit applications for active use of meeting, recreation, multipurpose, and martial art rooms*
• Monday, Oct. 18 – Permitted usage of City park gymnasiums begins
• Monday, Nov. 1- Permitted usage of City park meeting, recreation, multipurpose, and martial art rooms for physical activities begin

*Currently, DPR is permitting these facilities for passive use, such as in-person meetings, arts & crafts, or stationary lessons. Active use includes more physical sports, exercises, etc.

“We are thrilled to continue reopening more of our facilities as pandemic circumstances improve,” said DPR Director Laura H. Thielen. “This timeline provides a level of transparency and guidance that both the public and park staff can follow so we share the understanding of how park activities will progress and continue to provide respite to our community. We certainly hope we can continue this trend of reopening park facilities in an orderly and safe fashion.” 

Spectators are allowed during these indoor activities, but each facility will have capacity limits which includes participants, coaches, event staff, and spectators. Face coverings are required for all participants, and DPR facilities continue to follow the Safe Access O‘ahu Program for proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results.

Anticipating a large influx of facility requests, DPR appreciates everyone’s patience as we work to make more of our facilities available for public use amidst the fluctuating pandemic conditions. This timeline allows DPR staff to conduct facility user meetings, process permits effectively, and schedule the staff necessary to ensure the safe reopening of these park facilities. Permit applicants may contact the park staff via phone or email to inquire about or initiate the permitting process.

To access the COVID-modified permitting guidelines and applications for City park facilities, please visit here.