Painted rings are coming back to the grass of Trinity Bellwoods Park

Thestar.com
April 23, 2021

Painted rings on the grass at Trinity Bellwoods Park to encourage physical distancing -- a much-mocked feature of Toronto’s early pandemic response -- are coming back.

A city news release states the rings will soon appear, as they first did in spring 2020, despite the current provincial stay-at-home order and pleas from public health officials to avoid mixing households to halt surging COVID-19 infections.

“Installation work will begin next week depending on weather conditions -- the paint requires dry, sunny weather to cure properly...,” the release states.

“While there is currently a province-wide stay-at-home order in effect, the city recognizes that many residents living in apartment buildings and condominiums who do not have yards need spaces to get exercise and fresh air in City parks.

“Trinity Bellwoods Park is a popular location for many downtown residents and the painted physical distancing circles will help keep people safe while using the park.”

Like last year, only members of the same household are supposed to gather inside the rings and stay distanced from other groups. Residents are also urged to wear masks to reduce infection risk.

The rings appeared last May after summerlike weather drew thousands of people to the popular west-end park. Close contact, heavy drinking and scant masking raised concerns over virus risk, although no bump in infections was traced to the day.

“There are more than 1,500 parks in Toronto, and in order to avoid crowding, residents are encouraged to visit their local parks rather than travel to destination parks,” the city says.

“If a park or amenity such as a playground is crowded, people should visit another park or return at another time.”

Park visitors will find tennis courts, skateboard parks and other outdoor amenities closed, however, under a provincial order that Toronto and Mississauga officials want revisited.

Coun. Joe Cressy, Toronto Public Health chair, said that “as the spring season continues, we are focusing on making sure that Torontonians can get outside while staying safe.

“By wearing masks and distancing, people can enjoy our parks and recreational amenities without putting others at risk. These circles at Trinity Bellwoods will help visitors enjoy the park while also staying apart and protecting one another.”