Rafting? Ziplines? List of attractions, more opening soon in Columbus during COVID-19

Whitewater Express is planning to reopen whitewater rafting on the Chattahoochee River this Saturday with new protocol and a new business model dictated by social distancing guidelines.

The beginning of the rafting season was hampered by the closure of recreational activities due to coronavirus: Season kick-off events Paddle South and RiverFest, normally celebrated in April and May, were canceled in the wake of the pandemic.

Many of Columbus’ top tourist destinations closed in March and remain that way, such as museums and centers with mainly indoor features. But due to Whitewater Express’ ability to socially distance people and the nature of the business, they’ve decided to reopen.

The Blue Heron Zip Line and Whitewater Express retail store opened May 9, and now, the business is getting geared up for the summer season with its debut of rafting beginning at 9 a.m. May 16.

“We decided to open the zip line first... we don’t have any transportation involved in that, and it gave us a chance to try the protocol out, see how our staff adjusted to it,” Whitewater Express owner Dan Gilbert said Tuesday. “Everybody is delighted with the protocol from the (Centers for Disease Control); it’s working, makes sense, and so we’re ready to take the next step and open the rafting.”

The biggest difference customers may notice is a change in the size of rafting trips. The model has changed from large group trips to smaller, personal trips to limit any contact between separate groups of families or friends.

Other new measures that have been put in place include:

• The check-in counter has been moved outdoors for customers to check in and sign waivers.
• Staff and customers will have their temperature checked upon arrival. Customers showing high temperatures or coronavirus symptoms must reschedule their trip.
• Hand sanitizer is available both in the store and throughout the zip lines.
• All gear is cleaned before each use and customers will receive alcohol wipes for their own use.
• Vans will be sanitized after each trip.

“When you come in, you get your gear, it’s been cleansed overnight, it’s sat out and it’s ready to go,” Gilbert said. “It’s only used one time each day.”

The business’ new protocol were submitted to the proper authorities to be sure they were sufficient, according to Gilbert.

City amenities to reopen

Many museums, centers and venues around the city that remain closed for now include Historic Westville, Oxbow Meadows, the National Infantry Museum, the Columbus Museum, the Civil War Naval Museum, the Columbus Botanical Garden, Coca Cola Space Science Center, Pasaquan, the RiverCenter, the Springer Opera House, and others.

However, Columbus Consolidated Government public buildings will be reopening May 18.

City employees will be required to wear masks and citizens are also strongly encouraged to wear masks when visiting the buildings. There will be social distancing markings on the floors, plexiglass screens at counters and enhanced sanitizing, according to Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin.

City amenities opening next week include:

• Lake Oliver Marina will be opening Monday, May 18 for a soft opening. Citizens will be able to get gas, bait and tackle, concessions and launch their boats.
  
  
• Cooper Creek Tennis Center will have a soft opening May 18.
• Ma Rainey House will open May 18. Tours must be less than five people.
• The Columbus Convention and Trade Center will open May 18 for a first phase of reopening. If everything goes as planned, the Trade Center will be open for events in June. Events will be modified to comply with social distancing guidelines.
• The Civic Center box office will reopen May 18, and those who purchased tickets for events that were canceled due to coronavirus will be able to come to the box office for refunds. There is not a date set yet for the Civic Center to reopen for large events.

• Chattahoochee Valley Libraries will begin a phased reopening May 18. The main branch, Columbus Public Library on Macon Road, will partially reopen Monday for curbside pickup of materials. The building will remain closed to the public, but items can be reserved on the library website or by calling 706-243-2669. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Fridays, and 2-8 p.m. Thursdays. All seven branches of the library system will reopen after May 25 for curbside pickup. In June, partial reopening of the buildings to the public will be considered. Materials and resources continue to be available for citizens at cvlga.org.