As part of the safe and gradual reopening of public facilities and services, and in line with the first stage of the province’s reopening framework, the City of Greater Sudbury is re-opening a number of its outdoor recreational amenities over the coming days.
“We are very fortunate to live in a community that has so many wonderful outdoor amenities for residents to enjoy,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger.
“These reopenings come as welcome news, especially with the beautiful weather we’ve been having. At the same time, the virus has not gone away and we must continue to act responsibly. As we start to spend more time in public, it’s important to practise physical distancing, limit gatherings to no more than five people, wash your hands often and be prepared to wear a non-medical cloth mask for situations where distancing is not possible. Let’s not undo all the good work we’ve done so far.”
Safety Reminders
• Physical distancing rules are still in effect. Stay two metres away from people who are not part of your household.
• Limit gatherings to groups of five or less. This does not apply a gathering of more than five people who live in the same household.
• The City will monitor the use of these spaces, and signage will be in place to remind users of the rules.
• Where there are concerns that people are not practising physical distancing, or where the number of users creates a situation where it is not manageable, the City will further review and implement changes as necessary.
The opening of permitted recreational facilities will be done over the next several days, as parks staff work to inspect and ensure safety of sites, remove barriers, replace signage and place garbage containers. The process to open these facilities for safe public use may take several days, and residents can expect facilities to open based on the schedule below:
Off-Leash Dog Parks
The Minnow Lake Dog Park and Azilda Dog Park will reopen by the weekend. Off-leash parks are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Community Parks and Trails
The Bell Park Boardwalk and AY Jackson Trail will reopen by the weekend. All other trails and open spaces remain open.
Residents can use municipal parks and open spaces for recreational activities alone or with members of the same household, for example, playing catch, reading a book, throwing a Frisbee, or doing personal fitness exercises.
Residents may also use park benches, picnic tables, shelters and gazebos. These amenities are not sanitized. Users are reminded to wash their hands well after use.
Basketball Courts
Outdoor basketball courts will begin to reopen early next week. Courts in regional and community parks (e.g. LoEllen Park) will reopen first, followed by courts in neighbourhood parks (e.g. York Street, Louis Street).
Tennis and Pickleball Courts
Outdoor tennis and pickleball courts will begin to reopen early next week. Multi-court complexes, including Delki Dozzi, Brebeuf, Carmichael, Cote, Fraser, James Jerome and Elmview, will open first, followed by standalone courts. To ensure physical distancing, doubles play is not permitted while using tennis and pickleball courts.
Skate and BMX Parks
Skate and BMX parks will begin to reopen early next week, beginning with the Carmichael Skate Park. Park equipment is not sanitized. Users are reminded to wash their hands well after use.
Sports Fields
Baseball diamonds and soccer fields will begin to reopen early next week. Use of play fields is restricted to gatherings of five or less and users must keep two metres away from people who are not part of their household. League play and scrimmages are not permitted. Reopening will be done in three stages:
- Stage One: major field complexes, including Delki Dozzi, James Jerome, Queen’s Athletic and Terry Fox.
- Stage Two: minor field complexes, including Kinsmen, Howard Armstrong, Rick McDonald, Twin Forks, Carmichael, Dowling Leisure Centre and Doug Mohn’s Park.
- Stage Three: all other recreation play fields and standalone fields.
The Selkirk Disc Golf facility will reopen by the weekend.
Under the province’s emergency orders, playgrounds, splash pads, field houses, and all indoor recreational amenities remain closed, and organized sports involving teams and close contact are not permitted. Residents are reminded that washroom facilities at parks remain closed.
For COVID-19 updates and information related to City services, visit www.greatersudbury.ca/covid, or facebook.com/GreaterSudbury and www.twitter.com/GreaterSudbury.
For the most up-to-date local information on COVID-19, visit the Public Health Sudbury & Districts website at www.phsd.ca/coronavirus.
