Emerging from coronavirus, Newmarket playgrounds reopen by Aug. 1

Town drafts tentative schedule of reopening other facilities

Yorkregion.com
July 30, 2020
Lisa Queen

Newmarket is reopening its playgrounds by Aug. 1. Kids should physically distance while using the equipment. - Mike Barrett/Torstar

Just in time for the August civic long weekend, Newmarket kids will be able to hit the playground.

All of the town’s playgrounds will reopen by Aug 1.

The municipality is also working on a tentative schedule to reopen facilities with specific programs resuming one at a time.

Signage at the playgrounds will be updated and fencing and caution tape will be removed, the town said in a statement released on July 29.

Residents are asked to be patient and to not remove caution tape or barriers before playgrounds are inspected for safety and have officially reopened.

Bylaw officers and recreation staff acting as park ambassadors will be visiting local parks to educate residents and remind them of physical distancing measures and safety precautions.

Playgrounds are not sanitized so users should sanitize their hands before and after use.

They should also practise physical distancing by remaining six feet or two metres apart.

If the playground is busy, and physical distancing is not possible, consider going to another nearby playground or coming back later.

The town is also working on a tentative reopening schedule for certain indoor programs with strict health and safety measures in place.

The tentative schedule is:

Early August -- One ice pad at the Magna Centre (permit holders only)

Mid-August -- Skate Park at the Recreation Youth Centre and Sk8 Park (free use at set times)

Mid-August -- Fitness Centre at the Magna Centre (by scheduled appointments only). Fitness Centre will be moved to one of the ice pads at the Magna Centre to ensure safe physical distancing can be maintained at all times.

End of August -- Gymnasium at the Magna Centre (by registration only). Limited to planned programming.

Mid-September -- Pool at the Magna Centre

Mid-September -- NewRoads Performing Arts Centre. Available for small group rentals

Large bookings and performances will not resume until 2021.

Residents and visitors will be required to enter and exit at separate designated entrances for programs taking place at each facility, in addition to a health assessment prior to entering the building.

More information will be provided to program participants closer to the reopening dates.

For the most up-to-date information on what’s open and closed, visit newmarket.ca/reopen.

For more information on Newmarket news related to COVID-19, visit newmarket.ca/COVID19.