City of Burlington Parks, Marina and Sport Update: What’s now open and closed for public use

COVID-19
Written By

*Please see a media release below issued by the City of Burlington.Burlington, Ont. — May 15, 2020 — The City of Burlington continues to respond to COVID-19 and take steps to slow the spread of the virus by following public health direction and Provincial orders and announcements. As the City works to redesign our service delivery, we ask for your patience and cooperation. Re-opening of the City parks and facilities is something everyone is looking forward to, but we must continue to do it slowly and carefully with the right precautions.The City of Burlington remains committed to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 to protect its residents and employees. As the province plans for a gradual, phased reopening for recovery, the City of Burlington is taking steps to phase in activities families and members of the same household can enjoy.ParksWhile City of Burlington parks were never closed for walk-through traffic, residents can now enjoy a few more casual activities in their local City of Burlington parks and green spaces with members of their own household or groups of five of less, including:

  • Playing catch, kicking a soccer ball and flying a kite (not on a soccer field or baseball diamond)
  • Sitting on a blanket, grass or lawn chair
  • Exercising and stretching on a yoga mat, but not in a class
  • Letting young children run and burn off some energy

Facilities, amenities and spaces that continue to be closed in City parks include:

  • playgrounds and play structures such as swings, slides, climbers
  • sports fields such as soccer fields, baseball diamonds, basketball courts, tennis courts, running tracks
  • outdoor exercise equipment
  • skateboard parks
  • off-leash dog areas
  • benches, picnic tables and shelters
  • beaches
  • marinas and boat launch ramps
  • park parking lots and washrooms
  • recreation centre grounds and parking lots

Please continue to respect the caution tape and keep off playgrounds, sports fields, skateboard areas, tennis and basketball courts. The City has signage and barricades in the entrances of parking lots to block vehicles from parking. Parking lots remain closed to encourage people to stay in the neighborhood and to help prevent overcrowding at some of our larger parks. This will be reviewed as we consider additional phased opening of park uses.Organized sporting activities and training, such as football, softball, ball hockey, soccer, ultimate frisbee and basketball – even if they are not being played on a court or sports field – are still not allowed in City parks. Similar activities that do not allow for proper physical distancing, like running a sports or fitness class in City parks, are not allowed until further notice.Physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the most important steps everyone needs to take. The COVID-19 virus doesn’t move on its own; it needs people to move it. Remember to:

  • Keep two metres away from others - about the length of a hockey stick
  • Move to the right on pathways to make room for others to pass safely
  • Carry out your garbage whenever possible

Residents who see groups of more than five people gathering or individuals using outdoor recreational facilities that remain closed can call the Halton Regional Police Service COVID hotline to file a report at 905-825-4722.Provincial emergency orders that remain in force include:

  • Prohibiting events and gatherings of more than five people
  • Closure of public places and establishments
  • Closure of outdoor recreational amenities

LaSalle Community MarinaThe marina remains closed due to on-going construction. Construction is expected to be complete this summer. For information about the construction and the marina, visit burlington.ca/marina.Sport FacilitiesThe Province announced some sport organizations are able to resume activities. The City of Burlington will work with our joint venture partners to ensure there are plans in place based on provincial guidelines and their sport governing body’s requirements. The City is also working to ensure these organizations can use the facilities while complying with provincial guidelines and protecting the health of athletes and city staff.MAYOR MEED WARD'S TAKE:We encourage people to get out and enjoy the outdoors responsibly while practicing physical distancing and following the advice from public health. Following the provincial emergency orders, our city park amenities, including playgrounds, will stay closed for now. We’ll also keep closed the parking lots next to parks to help prevent overcrowding and encourage our residents to stay within their neighbourhoods. We’ll continue working with our neighbouring municipalities, as we prepare for a phased reopening of amenities and park use that will be consistent with public health advice and future provincial announcements. Please continue to be respectful of others when visiting our parks, so that everyone can get a chance to enjoy them safely.—PLEASE NOTE: To stay updated on what the City of Burlington is doing regarding COVID-19, please visit the dedicated pages burlington.ca/coronavirus (and subscribe) and bit.ly/mayormeedwardCOVID19updates, and our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page — bit.ly/COVID19BurlingtonFAQ that are updated as new information becomes available.A Burlington COVID-19 Task Force has been created to help support our community through this unprecedented emergency — updates will be provided at burlington.ca/COVID19taskforce.To report an incident of non-compliance with provincial emergency orders, please contact the Halton Regional Police Service COVID-19 Hotline: 905-825-4722.We’ve also created a dedicated page to feature the local organizations and businesses that have inspired us during the COVID-19 pandemic by taking action to support our community in new and creative ways — head to bit.ly/covidwallofinspiration.HELPFUL RESOURCES & RELATED LINKS:

—*Posted by John Bkila, Mayor’s Media and Digital Communications Specialist

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