With warmer weather ahead, local children will have more options to play outdoors after playgrounds reopen in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody and village of Anmore.
COQUITLAM, B.C. – May 28, 2020 – With warmer weather ahead, local children will have more options to play outdoors after playgrounds reopen in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody and village of Anmore.
Starting today the three cities, two villages and School District #43 are coordinating plans with the goal to re-open playgrounds in time for school resuming on June 1 and B.C.’s restart plan. Most of the remaining closed sports courts in the region will also reopen on June 1 (details below).
Playgrounds, civic sports fields and parks are open from dawn to dusk. Spray parks remain closed across the Tri-Cities, while sports fields are open for informal use only by small groups.
Safe Use Required
The cities had proactively closed their playgrounds and other outdoor amenities in March to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 and encourage physically distancing. Residents are reminded to follow the direction of public health officials that will be posted at the sites, such as:
- Keep at least two metres (six feet) away from people from other households,
- Avoid large groups and gatherings,
- Wash hands thoroughly and frequently before and after play and touching shared surfaces, using hand sanitizer if a washroom is not available,
- Avoid touching face,
- Cover coughs and sneezes,
- Limit use of amenities at busy times, and
- Stay home if feeling sick – with no exceptions.
While bylaw enforcement staff or park hosts will be monitoring some locations, all users are expected to maintain physical distancing and follow the health guidelines. Parents are responsible for supervising their children.
Coquitlam
As of June 1, Coquitlam will reopen its playgrounds, sport courts (including basketball, lacrosse and volleyball) and outdoor fitness equipment. These actions are the second stage of the gradual reopening of outdoor amenities that began May 9 with dog parks, outdoor tennis courts, skate parks, outdoor table games and park washrooms. For updates, visit www.coquitlam.ca/covid19.
“A collaborative reopening of these facilities makes sense so that we’re all sending the same message to our communities,” Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart said. “In the same vein, we’re looking to our residents to cooperate by using these amenities safely and responsibly, and continuing to follow the direction of health officials.”
Port Coquitlam
Port Coquitlam playgrounds, picnic shelters and outdoor fitness equipment in Gates Park and along the Traboulay PoCo Trail will reopen by the weekend. The city had already reopened outdoor amenities such as tennis and basketball courts, lacrosse boxes, dog parks, the bike skills park and skate park on May 7. City service updates can be found at www.portcoquitlam.ca/covid19.
“As a parent of a young child, I can tell you kids and families in our community are going to be thrilled to use playgrounds again,” Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West said. “However, as we reopen more amenities, it’s very important that we all do our part and use them responsibly, so that we can keep them open for everyone to enjoy.”
Port Coquitlam residents who see others not complying with provincial health orders can report incidents with the reporting form linked at www.portcoquitlam.ca/bylawservices for follow-up by bylaw officers.
Port Moody
Port Moody will reopen its outdoor playgrounds, basketball and sport courts and the Westhill Park lacrosse box on June 1. Previously reopened facilities include tennis and pickleball courts, skate parks and bike parks. Visit www.portmoody.ca/covid19 for updates.
“This is what co-operation between neighbouring cities looks like,” Port Moody Mayor Rob Vagramov said. “A return to life without restrictions depends on how these initial steps play out, so remember to keep two metres away from others.”
Anmore
Anmore has recently re-opened their playground and tennis courts, as well as the parking lot adjacent to Spirit Park. Visit www.anmore.com/covid-19 for updates.
“Anmore recognizes the importance of access to our limited outdoor recreational facilities, especially in current circumstances,” said Mayor John McEwen. “We also know how important it is for our residents to use the facilities in a safe and responsible manner and encourage everyone to do so.”
School District #43
Playgrounds at all School District #43 schools will reopen June 1.
“As children return to school, it will be important for them to be able to play outside to stay healthy and active,” School District Superintendent Patricia Gartland said. “All schools across the district will comply with health orders, such as washing hands before and after play, to ensure playgrounds are a safe place for students.”
Stay Informed
For information, residents are advised to follow their City’s on social media or visit their websites:
For all health-related concerns, the public is advised to call 811, the Government of Canada novel coronavirus telephone information line a: 1-833-784-4397, or to contact their health-care provider or local public health office.
For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community from COVID-19, and to use the online self-assessment tool, visit BC Centre for Disease Control at www.bccdc.ca.
For more information and updates please contact the following resources: