MERIDIAN, Idaho — Phase two of Governor Brad Little's reopen Idaho plan took effect on Saturday, which paved the way for most of the businesses at the Village at Meridian to open and provide a place for families to visit.
The Village at Meridian is a popular destination, and on Saturday, most of their restaurants opened for dining, the shops are open, Axiom Fitness opened their doors and a salon opened as well.
"It's critical, this is what we are as a place of commerce, and when you are closed, you aren't generating any revenue," said Hugh Crawford from the Village at Meridian. "But the hardest part about it was all the employees that were out of work."
Employees are back to work, but all the people who work for the Village and the businesses will wear masks and gloves as the Village attempts to reopen responsibly.
The Village has signs posted all over the place, reminding people to practice social distancing, they are working to sanitize everything and restaurants spaced out their dining areas.
"All our restrooms are touchless, we have hand sanitizing stations and we put protective barriers up in our concierge desk," said Crawford. "There is a learning curve on how to operate under these new guidelines."
The Village also has security on hand to help disperse large groups if necessary.
However, we didn't see examples of this even though families were out enjoying a Saturday at the Village after being isolated during the coronavirus pandemic.
"We missed it because we come here often, we come just to walk the Village it is very inspiring," said David Kessler who was at the Village with his grandchildren. "They love the water, it is so nice to have them watch all those waterfalls, they are enchanted by water."
Here's a link to the Village website, which includes what stores are open and what people need to know before visiting the Village.
