City of Burlington: What’s open and closed for public use

Published May 15, 2020 at 7:07 pm

City of Burlington: What’s open and closed for public use

As parks, clubs, and businesses slowly re-open amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Burlington provided an update on the status of municipal and provincial services.

As parks, clubs, and businesses slowly re-open amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Burlington provided an update on the status of municipal and provincial services.

The city says that while the re-opening of the city parks and facilities is something everyone is looking forward to, “we must continue to do it slowly and carefully with the right precautions”.

Parks

While City of Burlington parks were never closed for walk-through traffic, residents can now enjoy a few more casual activities in their local municipal parks and green spaces with members of their own household or groups of five or 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

The City of Burlington has asked residents to continue to respect the caution tape and keep off playgrounds, sports fields, skateboard areas, tennis, and basketball courts; adding that they will be reviewing the additional-phased opening of park uses.

“We encourage people to get out and enjoy the outdoors responsibly while practicing physical distancing and following the advice from public health,” said Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward. “Following the provincial emergency orders, our city park amenities, including playgrounds, will stay closed for now.”

Meanwhile, 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.

“We’ll also keep closed the parking lots next to parks to help prevent overcrowding and encourage our residents to stay within their neighbourhoods,” added Meed Ward.

“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.”

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 Marina

The 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 Facilities

The Province announced some sports organizations are able to resume activities. The City of Burlington says it will work with joint venture partners to ensure there are plans in place based on provincial guidelines and their sport governing body’s requirements. The city added that it 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.

COVID-19 Links and Resources

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