City readies to reopen some outdoor recreational spaces
Beginning on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, the City of Kingston will reopen some of the outdoor recreation spaces closed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the City, the following outdoor public recreation amenities will be open for casual use:
- Off-leash dog parks
- Sports fields
- CaraCo Home Field track
- Sports courts (will be unlocked and nets will be installed this week)
- Skate parks (only reopened once safety fencing is removed, a process that will begin this week)
In accordance with the provincial government’s guidelines for the first stage of reopening, the following recreation amenities will remain closed:
- Public washrooms
- Playground equipment
- Splash pads
- Beaches
- Water fountains
- Park benches
- Picnic tables
- Picnic shelters
- Outdoor barbecues
The City would like to remind residents that the provincial emergency measures and the City bylaws remain in effect under the Emergency Measures and Civil Protection Act and applicable City of Kingston bylaws. As such, the following behaviours are prohibited:
- Gatherings of more than 5 individuals not from the same household
- Use of amenities closed under the Emergency Measures and Civil Protection Act
- Dog owners and handlers are subject to Ontario Dog Owner’s Liability Act and City of Kingston Animal Control Bylaw
Signage will be installed at the City’s recreation amenities in the coming days to remind residents of the following COVID-19 safety recommendations for those amenities:
- Users must practice physical distancing (stay at least two metres apart)
- Users can wear a mask or face covering if physical distancing is a challenge
- Team play or doubles matches at sports fields or sports courts are not permitted unless participants are from the same household
- Users should bring their own hand sanitizer and water to wash their hands before and after visiting the park
Users are asked to take litter or pet waste home with them to help keep Kingston clean