To help stop the spread of COVID-19, effective immediately, the City of Coquitlam will be closing all sport fields, sport courts and skateparks, including tennis courts and table games in parks.
COQUITLAM, B.C., March 22, 2020 – To help stop the spread of COVID-19, effective immediately, the City of Coquitlam will be closing all sport fields, sport courts and skateparks, including tennis courts and table games in parks. The City is also taking the additional measure of closing all public washrooms in City parks.
The decision to officially implement additional closures in the City’s outdoor recreation facilities was made further to City staff observations and public concerns that park users are not maintaining social distancing as directed by B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer.
To help better enforce the closure, City staff will be removing sports nets and blocking access to basketball rims, as well as installing signage and other notification to advise of the closures and the imperative need for social distancing to curb the spread of the virus.
Today’s decision to close public washrooms, sport courts, sports fields and skateparks, follows the City’s previous decisions to close all civic facilities to the public and to close all playgrounds in Coquitlam parks.
Coquitlam Crunch and Lafarge Lake Loop Trail
At this time, both the Coquitlam Crunch and Lafarge Lake Loop Trail will remain open, as the Provincial Public Health Officer continues to recognize the need for the public to get outdoor exercise.
At the Crunch, users are directed to use unidirectional ascent and descent – the east side stairs will be used for up only and the west side stairs will be used for down. City staff will be located at the bottom of the Coquitlam Crunch stairs from 8 a.m. to dark to help remind users to maintain physical distancing.
Similarly, at Lafarge Lake Park, directional arrows have been painted on the pathways to direct one-way counter-clockwise movement along the trail.
If the City observes that the recommended health measures are not being observed, we may take additional actions, including enforcement and/or additional closures, to further support public safety.
Public Washrooms
Due to concerns about public and staff safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, park users are reminded to use the washroom at home before and after visiting the park, and to carry out any garbage and dispose of it at home.
What is Social Distancing?
B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer has advised everyone to practice social distancing to help curb the spread of the highly-contagious COVID-19 coronavirus. This means that when outside their homes, people should maintain a distance of at least one to two metres from others.
Other ways to practice social distancing:
- Limit activities outside your home
- Use virtual options to connect with others
- Keep your hands at your side when possible
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cough into your sleeve or elbow
- Avoid all social activities in large gatherings
For their mental and physical health, Coquitlam families are encouraged to enjoy the parks and trails throughout the community together with those from their household, while avoiding groups of more than two or three and maintaining social distancing at all times.
Parents are also urged to reinforce the importance of social distancing with their children.
Be Informed
For up-to-date information regarding the COVID-19 impacts to City facilities, programs, services and events:
Coquitlam residents are also encouraged to follow the City of Coquitlam on social media (Facebook and Twitter) and to download the CoquitlamConnect mobile app for City updates.
For more information on COVID-19, including updates, answers to frequently asked questions, and translated information, please consult the following resources: