It’s the time of year when folks of all ages start to descend on local parks – but that’s not the case anymore.
The City of New Westminster has announced it’s temporarily closing all park playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts, skate and all-wheel parks until further notice. The closure takes effect immediately.
“Out of abundance of caution and in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, we have made the decision to close all city playgrounds to ensure social distancing protocol is followed, as per the recommendations from the provincial health officer,” Mayor Jonathan Cote said in a news release. “Parks, trails and boardwalks will remain open, but the public is reminded to maintain social distancing.”
Signage will be installed at city-owned playgrounds over the next few days.
“Given the quickly evolving nature of things, our first priority is to provide public notice through site signage, media releases and social media channels,” said Dean Gibson, the city’s director of parks and recreation. “We are hoping for, and encouraging, voluntary public cooperation. Signage will be posted at all affected sites over the course of the next two to three days. Staff will be out in the parks over the weekend to monitor the situation and assess if further enforcement action is warranted. Early next week we will be clarifying the city’s enforcement authority and capabilities in regards to restricting access to specific areas within our city parks. Should additional enforcement measures be instituted, we will be sure to communicate that decision out to the public.”
Gibson said the city’s current parks bylaw gives the city the authority to regulate which activities are or are not permitted to take place within its parks.
“Physical activity is encouraged even while practising social distancing or self-isolation,” said the city’s press release. “New Westminster has a variety of public parks, trails, and natural spaces for the public and families to play, walk, cycle, and stroll.”
According to the city, public washrooms will remain open to the public, and are being cleaned with increased frequency.
The City of New Westminster reminds residents to follow safety measures as directed by the local health authorities including: avoiding groups and maintaining a distance of one to two metres from others; washing hands regularly and thoroughly (with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available); avoid touching your face; covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing; and not attending public facilities if you are sick.
You can find updates on city services, programs and facilities at www.newwestcity.ca/covid19.
