City of London opening spray pads; preparation underway for pools and park washrooms

Just in time for the summer weather upon us, the City is opening most spray pads beginning Friday, June 12.  The opening of spray pads follows the announcement of Phase 2 of Ontario’s Framework for Reopening the Province. 

Londoners can enjoy spray pads between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. daily. A list of locations, along with activation features, is available online. 

“We know that this announcement will put a smile on many young faces,” says Mayor Ed Holder. “While we encourage families to use these facilities, parents must ensure that proper physical distancing is taking place at spray pads.”

Residents are reminded that spray pads are unsupervised, and while they are checked and cleaned daily, staff will not be sanitizing all features or play areas. Londoners should wash or sanitize their hands after use.

As spray pads open, residents are reminded that health measures remain in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 and should continue to follow these measures:

  • Stay two metres away from others using the spray pads
  • Sneeze or cough into your sleeve or elbow or cover with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
  • Follow all social gatherings guidelines
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Signs will be posted at each of the spray pad locations indicating all health measures and precautions. 

Please note that the Gibbons Park spray pad will remain closed until further notice due to required repairs.

City pools and park washrooms

The City is working quickly to reopen City-owned pools and some park washrooms. More information will be shared as soon as these spaces are ready to open. For now, these spaces will remain closed until further notice.

“While the Province announced that indoor and outdoor pools can reopen, there are several items we need to address before opening these facilities,” says Scott Stafford, Managing Director, Parks and Recreation. “The safety of residents and City staff is top of mind, and we will only open these facilities once we know we can do so safely.”

For further information and a list of City of London services that have been impacted by COVID-19, please continue to visit www.london.ca/covid-19.

Last modified:Monday, August 17, 2020