City of Toronto extends outdoor sports, multi-use fields until October

680news.ca
August 28, 2020

With the pandemic keeping most of us indoors for months, it’s easy to feel like summer has come and gone in the blink of an eye.

But the City of Toronto is helping those who want to get out and get active a little longer.

On Thursday, the city announced it would be extending the outdoor sports fields and multi-use fields until October.

Toronto has almost 700 sports fields across but because of COVID-19 restrictions, they were unable to open until July 6.

Usually the fields close for the summer in September but this year that will extend until Oct. 25. As well, permits will be issued for the remainder of the 2020 season.

“Our parks, sports fields and other outdoor recreation amenities are so important to residents -- they are the hearts of so many neighbourhoods across the city,” Mayor John Tory said in a release.

“I’m proud that we have worked to extend the outdoor field season, which was shortened by COVID-19, so that residents will continue to have the opportunity to safely train and practice across Toronto this Fall.”

However, COVID-19 restrictions will remain in place as long as the city remains in Stage 3 -- meaning the types of activities and the amount of people involved will have to follow guidelines.

“To allow for physical distancing and comply with provincial orders restricting gatherings, the capacity at the City’s outdoor sport and multi-use fields remains reduced to 100 people per field,” the city said in a release.

“That includes participants and coaches, as well as parents, guardians and other spectators.”

Permit holders will also be required to make sure their gatherings comply with the city and provincial guidelines.