In alignment with Phase 1 of Ontario’s Framework for Reopening the Province, the City of London is in the process of reopening several park amenities for public use.
While park amenities reopen, health measures and precautions remain critical to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community. This includes physical distancing, and limiting the size of gatherings to no more than five people, unless they are from within the same household.
“We know residents are excited to get some fresh air and exercise and we appreciate their patience as City staff work to get all of these park amenities open,” says Mayor Ed Holder. “Parks are a vital part of life in the Forest City. We are counting on everyone to do their part to keep following the health precautions that will ensure these are safe places for all to enjoy.”
The following recreation facilities are now open:
Outdoor sports fields and baseball diamonds
Londoners may use outdoor sports fields and baseball diamonds for non-team sports that allow for physical distancing. Gatherings are still required to be no more than five people, unless they are living in the same household.
Benches, picnic tables and park shelters
Picnic tables, benches and park shelters are now open for public use, provided that physical distance of at least two metres is maintained. As these amenities are not sanitized, residents should wash or sanitize their hands thoroughly after use.
Skate parks
Skate parks are now open for public use, provided that physical distance of at least two metres is maintained. As these amenities are not sanitized, residents should wash or sanitize their hands thoroughly after use.
Basketball courts
Basketball courts are now available for use immediately, with physical distancing measures in effect. Basketball courts should be used for non-team sports that permit physical distancing and gatherings of less than five people.
Tennis and pickleball courts
The City has started the process installing nets and reopening tennis and pickleball courts. While this work continues, Londoners will notice some courts have nets installed and are open while others, that we haven’t made our way to yet, aren’t open yet. All tennis and pickleball courts will be open by the end of the week.
Disc golf
Disc golf is now open for public use, provided that physical distance of at least two metres is maintained. As these amenities are not sanitized, residents should wash or sanitize their hands thoroughly after use.
Golf courses
Fanshawe Golf Course and Thames Valley Golf Course reopened last week with new COVID-19 policies and procedures in place. River Road Golf Course will remain closed until further notice.
Off-leash dog parks
All City of London off-leash dog parks are open for public use.
“The safety of Londoners and staff is our number one priority as we reopen park amenities,” says Scott Stafford, Managing Director, Parks and Recreation. “I’m hopeful Londoners will continue to practice all health guidelines in these spaces.”
With these park amenities now open, the City is reminding residents that heath measures remain in place to stop the of COVID-19 in the community. While using these spaces, please continue to follow these measures:
- Stay two metres away from others using the facility
- Avoid gatherings of more than five people
- Sneeze or cough into your sleeve or elbow or cover with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Londoners will see new signage installed at spaces with open park amenities with these measures.
In keeping with physical distancing measures, if you arrive at a park space that is too busy or crowded, we ask that you wait until there is enough space to properly practice physical distancing or return at another time.
Permitted Activities in Parks
Additional activities are now permitted in parks and open spaces for recreational purposes.
Examples of recreational activities that are now permitted in parks include:
- Kicking a ball or playing catch
- Sitting on a picnic blanket, the grass or a lawn chair
- Flying a kite
- Exercising or stretching on a yoga mat (not a group class)
The City is working quickly to reopen tennis and pickleball courts. More information will be shared as soon as these spaces are ready to open. For now, these spaces will remain closed until further notice.
The following park amenities will remain closed in accordance with Provincial Orders until further notice:
- Outdoor playgrounds, play structures and equipment
- Outdoor pools, spray pads, wading pools
- Premier irrigated sports fields and indoor facilities
To find a park amenity near you, visit london.ca/parks.