The locks are coming off a select group of outdoor amenities in the Tri-Cities this weekend as cities begin to ease restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coquitlam announced Thursday that dog parks, outdoor tennis courts, skate parks, outdoor table games and park washrooms will open after being shuttered for more than six weeks provided physical distancing can be maintained. Playgrounds, sports courts and indoor recreation facilities will remain closed.
“The city decided to reopen the amenities this week following encouraging reports from the [Provincial Health Officer] and indication that the public now better understands the public health measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” the city said in a statement.
“Playgrounds and sport courts remain closed because of the difficulty of maintaining a safe distance in close quarters.”
The city added that washrooms will be cleaned twice a day with additional spot cleaning for door and faucet handles.
But physical distancing restrictions still apply.
Park hosts will be keeping an eye on the newly re-opened facilities, making sure people are at least two metres apart and not congregating in large groups. The city is also encouraging people to wash their hands thoroughly and stay home if they are exhibiting any symptoms of the disease, which include but are not limited to a fever, dry cough, trouble breathing, fatigue and aches, according to the BC Centre for Disease Control.
Port Coquitlam is also taking steps to re-open some of its facilities.
Basketball and tennis courts, lacrosse boxes, off-leash dog parks, bike skills parks and skate parks will now be available to the public this weekend along with city sports fields and parks.
Still, officials are urging residents to exercise caution when using the outdoor amenities and signs have been posted reminding people to adhere to the provincial safety measures. People who see others not complying with the orders from the provincial health officer can report incidents at portcoquitlam.ca/bylawservices.
“It’s very important for residents to use these amenities responsibly and follow health orders so that we can keep them open,” said Mayor Brad West. “We have come as far as we have because we’ve all done our part, so let’s keep it up for the health and safety of everyone.”
In Port Moody, the Rotary skate park and bike trials park will reopen on Saturday.
The city’s tennis courts are also open, except at Easthill park, where they’re being repaired. Sports fields are open for limited uses by individuals practising proper physical distancing. Organized sports are not allowed.
Port Moody’s public washroom facilities are also open, as are parks and trails, with one-way loops in place at Bert Flinn Park and the Shoreline trail.
Basketball courts and the Westhill sport box remain closed, as are playgrounds.
