COVID-19 Recreational Greenspace Use During the Provincial Shutdown

April 14, 2021   Greenspace may be defined as all open public recreational areas under the care and control of a municipality. These spaces include, but may not be limited to, sport fields, parks, parkettes, trails and playgrounds. Leaders continue to promote the benefits of active living and exercise as an acceptable allowance under the current provincial COVID-19 lockdown directive. Please be reminded that this allowance should not be considered a variance to all current safety measures that will include, but not be limited to, wearing of masks, social distancing, and use of hand-sanitizer.

Current outdoor recreational amenities permitted to open, subject to conditions, include: (Please refer to updated Stay-at-Home Order)

• parks and recreational areas
• baseball diamonds
• batting cages
• soccer, football and sports fields
• tennis, platform tennis, table tennis and pickleball courts
• basketball courts
• BMX parks
• skate parks
• frisbee golf locations
• cycling tracks and bike trails
• horse riding facilities
• shooting ranges, including those operated by rod and gun clubs
• ice rinks
• tobogganing hills
• snowmobile, cross country, dogsledding, ice-skating and snow-shoe trails
• playgrounds
• portions of parks or recreational areas containing outdoor fitness equipment
• golf courses and driving ranges

A permitted outdoor recreational amenity may only open if:

• physical distance of at least two metres can be maintained
• team sports, or other sports or games where people may come within two metres of each other, are not practiced or played
• locker rooms, change rooms, showers and clubhouses remain closed (except for access to equipment storage, washrooms or first aid)

The following reminders may assist both owners and users in the safe use of public greenspaces:

• All users will wear Public Health recommended COVID transmission reduction protection.
• Try and plan use throughout the day – avoid using the area during high-traffic volume peak periods.
• Exercise near home – never drive to any greenspace location.
• Use a bike whenever possible.
• Keep personal exercise times to 30-minutes or less once per-day.
• Be reminded to collect pet waste.
• Put controls in place that ensure playground equipment is being used safely.
• Do not use outdoor furniture.
• Bring all garbage home – avoid using public waste containers and PLEASE do not litter.
• Respect and adhere to all posted information at the location. Do not try and enter any closed facility or area – this may be considered trespassing under provincial law. Removal of any barrier or lock may be considered breaking and entering.
• Wash and sanitize hands once you return home.

Remember that the use of any public greenspace or facility is a privilege of a user, not a right. The owner of the infrastructure holds the right to revoke the privilege of the user.

Please respect all operations staff who may be on site to assist in the safe use of the area. They do not necessarily create the rules of conduct but are there to assist in ensuring compliance to provincial regulation or community safety practices. Feel free to request who might be the best person to speak to regarding concerns or recommendations for improved use of the area.