Newmarket reopens splash pads, outdoor amenities as COVID-19 restrictions ease

Water feature at Riverwalk Commons open, but Gorman Outdoor Pool remains closed

Yorkregion.com
July 7, 2020
Simone Joseph

With Ontario announcing that York Region is able to move into Stage 2 of the reopening plan, Newmarket is taking a gradual approach to ensure that proper procedures are in place.

The town is currently focusing on reopening outdoor recreational amenities only. The Rogers Spray Pad (170 London Road) and Frank Stronach Spray Pad (850 Memorial Circle) have opened.

When using the spray pads, residents are reminded to stay at least two metres apart from other people and follow social gathering sizes of 10 or less. Be courteous and share this space with the community. Limit your time and ensure that others have a chance to use the amenity. If the spray pad is busy, and physical distancing is not possible, residents are asked to return at a later time.

The town has worked closely with York Region Public Health to reopen the water feature at Riverwalk Commons (200 Doug Duncan Drive).

The Gorman Outdoor Pool (424 D’Arcy Street) remains closed at this time. Current provincial guidelines around social gatherings and required physical distancing measures cannot be accommodated at this facility.

Newmarket will not yet be issuing any permits for community groups or organized sports or league play at this time. Open outdoor recreational amenities such as sports fields, ball diamonds and hard courts are for recreational use only. Sport organizations are welcome to use these spaces recreationally, while complying with physical distancing and social gathering sizes (no more than 10 people) under provincial guidelines. The use of these amenities is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Please follow the rules posted at each location and remember to:

• Stay at least six feet / two metres away from people outside of your immediate household; and

• Follow the Province of Ontario’s emergency orders around social gatherings (no more than 10 people).

Residents are reminded to take extra precautions and use these outdoor recreational amenities at your own risk.

High touch points at these outdoor areas (gates, benches, etc.) are not cleaned frequently. Remember to wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based sanitizer after use.

Newmarket has also expanded its outdoor patio program to assist local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The flexible patio program was created to accommodate the expansion and addition of outdoor patios for restaurants, bars and cafes, while maintaining physical distancing measures.

Business owners looking to participate in the outdoor patio program are encouraged to contact the Town of Newmarket's Business Assistance Concierge.

The town will continue to monitor the changing COVID-19 landscape, seek guidance from the province and assess each reopening stage carefully, with the health and safety of its community a top priority.

For more information, visit newmarket.ca/reopen.