Burlington recreation ready for Phase Two re-opening

Premier Doug Ford hinted today that the GTAH including Hamilton and Burlington could be moving to stage two of COVID re-opening sooner rather than later. Yesterday, the City of Burlington’s Recreation Services department redesign plan was approved so the City can be ready when the Province announces Burlington is in Stage 2.

When announcements are made by the Province about activities and spaces that can re-open, the City’s service redesign strategy determines which new policies and protocols need to be in place to prioritize the community’s health and safety.

The plan includes the safe, re-designed, partial re-opening of youth programs, outdoor pools. sports fields, splash pads and some arenas. Program information and registration information will be posted on burlington.ca/play when details are finalized.

All re-designed programs and services will look very different from pre-COVID-19 programs.

Arenas

•             One pad of ice and/or arena floor will be opened at a time. Facility demand will be assessed and evaluated for the need for future locations to open

•             Facilities to open: Central Arena (ice)

Pools

•             Outdoor pools to be prepared (filling, hiring/training staff)

Summer Youth Programming

•             Summer Youth Programming will be gradually reintroduced, including a modified/smaller version of Day Camps, Student Theatre and the Burlington Teen Tour Band

•             A gradual re-introduction of smaller sized (eight participants and two staff) Day Camp Programs at community centres: Aldershot, Haber, Brant Hills, and Tansley Woods. Program focus to remain outside with some inside relief.

•             A micro version of Student Theatre with full-day options with no in-person shows/performances. Programming to be offered at the Student Theatre facility

•             Burlington Teen Tour Section practices offered in groups of 8. No performances, tours or full band performances. Some practices may occur outside under the bandshell or in the park

•             Program information and registration information will be posted on burlington.ca/play when details are finalized

Sport Fields

•             Organizations that are looking to provide individual activities (e.g. track and field) and/or smaller groups (currently a maximum of 10) will be gradually staged to reopen based on provincial guidelines, lifted restrictions, coordination through provincial governing bodies/professional associations and confirmed demand

•             Permits will be issued in accordance with Emergency Order at the following natural fields:

o             Ireland, Millcroft, Nelson, Sherwood, LaSalle, Hidden, Valley, Orchard and Central

•             Permits will be issued in accordance with Emergency Order at the following artificial turf fields:

o             City View, Nelson, Norton and Orchard

It is important to note this is a framework only and no dates have been set for openings, registrations or permitting. As each service is ready to launch, the information will be shared.

Lowville Park Update

As of June 29, Lowville Park will open with parking lot capacity temporarily limited to approximately 80 per cent to prevent overcrowding. Street parking is not permitted, parking enforcement will be in effect.

Visitors are reminded to continue to be vigilant about public health practices and provincial directives to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including:

•             Maintaining 2 metre physical distance from others

•             Gathering in groups of 10 or fewer

•             Staying home if you feel sick

•             Washing and sanitizing hands before and after visiting the park.