Cooperstown Dreams Park has announced that it will close for the 2020 season amid concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the park’s website, over 1,000 teams representing all 50 states were expected to play in Cooperstown this summer. All teams will receive a 100 percent refund or the option to play in future tournaments.
“In the best interest of our country, state, local community, local partners, coaches, umpires and most importantly, our employees, players and their families, whose health and safety we are obligated to protect, Cooperstown Dreams Park has determined it is necessary to cancel the 2020 season,” the park said in a statement on Friday.
Each summer, thousands of players ages 12 and under compete in tournaments at the park and surrounding stadiums. According to the park’s website, over 500,000 people visit Cooperstown each summer.
The park’s statement added that its facilities and resources are available if the state needs them to help fight COVID-19.
“In response to calls by many levels of government for help from the private sector, we have notified the New York State Department of Health, Otsego County Emergency Services and Bassett Healthcare that our facilities are available for use, if needed in combating COVID-19 or for caring for those inflicted with the virus," the park said. "Cooperstown Dreams Park will also establish a local food donation center and food kitchen for those in our community that are in need of basic essentials, as permitted by governmental agencies.”
Teams are guaranteed to play seven games during the various tournaments and are also given access to the National Baseball Hall of Fame Museum.
Major League Baseball announced earlier this week that it was pushing back the start to the season at least eight weeks.
MORE ON CORONAVIRUS:
Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources
NY coronavirus order for businesses to close: What’s considered essential, non-essential?
Coronavirus way-of-life: Doctors, patients turn to telemedicine like never before
Unemployed in NY? A survival kit for benefits, bills, evictions, mortgages, utilities, debts, help
Thousands of coronavirus patients threaten to overwhelm CNY hospitals; what needs to be done now