MEDIA RELEASE
GUELPH/ERAMOSA TOWNSHIP TO REOPEN SEVERAL PARK AMENTIES FOR PUBLIC USE
ROCKWOOD, Ontario, May 27, 2020 – In alignment with Phase 1 of Ontario’s Framework for Reopening the Province, the Township of Guelph/Eramosa is in the process of reopening several park amenities for public use.
While park amenities reopen, health measures and precautions remain critical to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community. This includes physical distancing, and limiting the size of gatherings to no more than five people, unless they are from within the same household.
The following Guelph/Eramosa recreation facilities are now open:
Outdoor sports fields and baseball diamonds
Residents may use outdoor sports fields and baseball diamonds for non-team sports that allow for physical distancing. Gatherings are still required to be no more than five people, unless they are living in the same household. This is un-coached informal play, sports organization need to follow the direction of their governing body and provincial legislation.
Benches, picnic tables and park shelters
Picnic tables, benches and park shelters are now open for public use, provided that physical distance of at least two metres is maintained. As these amenities are not sanitized, residents should wash or sanitize their hands thoroughly before and after use.
Skate Park
The skate park is now open for public use, provided that physical distance of at least two metres is maintained. As these amenities are not sanitized, residents should wash or sanitize their hands thoroughly before and after use.
Basketball courts
Basketball courts are now available for use immediately, with physical distancing measures in effect. Basketball courts should be used for non-team sports that permit physical distancing and gatherings of less than five people.
Tennis courts
Township staff are working with the Rockwood Tennis Club to reopen the courts for public play. Once open, guidelines for return to play from the Ontario Tennis Association will be posted at the court entrance. Doubles play will not be permitted and a maximum of 6 people at one time will be permitted within the tennis court enclosure.
With these park amenities now open, the Township is reminding residents that heath measures remain in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community. While using these spaces, please continue to follow these measures:
- Stay two metres away from others using the facility
- Avoid gatherings of more than five people
- Sneeze or cough into your sleeve or elbow or cover with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
In keeping with physical distancing measures, if you arrive at a park space that is too busy or crowded, we ask that you wait until there is enough space to properly practice physical distancing or return at another time.
Dogs are required to be licenced and leashed at all times in Guelph/Eramosa Parks.
Permitted Activities in Parks
Examples of recreational activities that are now permitted in parks include:
- Kicking a ball or playing catch
- Sitting on a picnic blanket, the grass or a lawn chair
- Flying a kite
- Exercising or stretching on a yoga mat (not a group class)
The following park amenities will remain closed in accordance with Provincial Orders until further notice:
- Outdoor playgrounds, play structures and equipment
- Splash pad
- The RDAPC, Rockmosa and Marden Community Centres and the Rockmosa Older Adult Centre
- Public Washrooms
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For more information, please contact: Kristen Chiasson, Parks and Recreation Assistant 519-856-9596 ext. 113 kchiasson@get.on.ca
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