Georgina beaches remain closed, select parks are open

Georgina ‘taking staged approach’ to reopening after coronavirus shutdown

Yorkregion.com
June 9, 2020
Amanda Persico

The town is reopening many of its outdoor amenities, including all parks -- tennis, pickleball and basketball courts and sports fields for non-organized play.

Excluded from the list of open amenities are waterfront parks and beaches, playgrounds, volleyball courts, skateboard parks, picnic tables and splashpads.

All public washrooms remain closed.

Recently, the town reopened trails and public boat launches.

The “town is taking a staged approach,” following provincial orders and public health guidelines, said Mayor Margaret Quirk.

“Each community is different, with numerous variables,” she said. “We’re making decisions that are best for our residents.

“We are not immune to the virus. Whether it’s a gathering of residents or visitors, we need to do all we can to protect the health and safety of our community.”

Sports fields, basketball, tennis and pickleball courts are open for individual use and for those in the same household.

Expect to see new signage at town parks offering reminders on how to use public places -- maintaining physical distancing and not having gatherings of more than five people outside the same household.

Though a popular destination for both residents and visitors, Georgina’s waterfront parks and beaches will remain closed -- a decision supported by York Region Public Health.

“I remain supportive of Georgina’s plans to continue restricting access to its beaches,” said Dr. Karim Kurji, York Region’s medical officer of health.

There needs to be physical distancing rules in place prior to reopening beaches safely, he added.

The notion of opening waterfront parks for residents only has been discussed, Quirk said, but there are still issues of enforcing physical distancing and traffic management.

All summer programs and camps were recently cancelled by the town.

Recently, the town opened public boat launches located at: Young’s Harbour Park, Adeline Park, Rayners Park, King Road End, Holmes Point Road, and 101 Clovelly Cove. Parking is available on a first-come first-served basis.

The town’s trails area is also open, with the following restrictions: practise physical distancing, leash and pickup after pets, and take your garbage and litter home.

For more information, visit georgina.ca.