MUSKOKA PARKS POST CLOSED SIGNS
MUSKOKA — Municipalites in Muskoka have issued local orders to close parks facilities following Monday’s provincial announcement to do so.
In Gravenhurst all of its parks and recreational amenities are now closed until further notice effective Tuesday, March 30.
They say staff will be cordoning off outdoor recreational amenities through a combination of fencing and warning tape and clearly identifying areas throughout the town as closed through affixed signage.
The closure does include Muskoka Wharf as well, says town communications person Jason Harnett: ie sports field, splash pad, basketball court, Cockburn Square, Lions Pavilion.
The list includes all municipal playground structures, skate board facilities, sports fields, tennis courts, ball diamonds, basketball courts, beaches, picnic areas, pavilions and off leash dog parks, including, but not limited to the following locations:
- Gull Lake Rotary Park
- Muskoka Wharf
- Muskoka Bay Park
- Muskoka Beach Park
- Franklin Park
- Church Street Parkette
- Youth Skate Board Park
- Ungerman Park
- Lions Lookout Park
- Kinsmen Park
- Lorne Street Beach
- Staff Sergeant Larry Bigley K-9 Park
- Bass Lake Park
Trails will continue to remain open (at this point) for walkthrough access, but residents are reminded they are to maintain the safe physical distance of at least two metres apart from others if they use them.
IN BRACEBRIDGE:
The Town of Bracebridge, too, is extending its closures.
That includes: sport courts, sport fields, disc golf, dog park, skate park, playgrounds, picnic shelters and other park amenities.
Parks and open spaces remain open and residents are reminded to practise physical distancing and avoid social gathering.
Town staff are posting signs at all locations throughout the community advising people to refrain from using these areas until further notice.
The town says it recognizes that outdoor activity and exercise is important during this difficult uncertain time.
And it would encourage residents to enjoy nature responsibly during the COVID-19 crisis, they remind residents trail conditions are currently unsafe due to extremely icy conditions and regular seasonal flooding.
Users are encouraged to stay off the trails until conditions improve.
And in public areas where there are currently no restrictions in place, they encourage all users to follow these guidelines:
- Stay home if you are exhibiting symptoms or feeling unwell;
- Maintain physical distance of at least 2 metres at all times;
- If 2 metres is not possible, users should depart the area immediately;
- If using trails, warn other users of your presence and allow for appropriate passing distance;
- Please take your garbage home as Town garbage cans are not sanitized;
- Refrain from using benches and other public amenities during this time;
- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces if needed;
- And wash your hands immediately when you return home.
HUNTSVILLE:
In Huntsville they, too, are extending closures to all park recreational and outdoor amenities effective immediately in accordance with the provincial order.
All town facilities, amenities and programming closures and cancellations have been extended until further notice, they say in their release.
That means all park recreational and outdoor amenities includes playgrounds, sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, off-leash dog parks, beaches, skateboard and BMX parks, picnic areas, outdoor community gardens, park shelters, outdoor exercise equipment, condo parks and gardens, and other outdoor recreational amenities.
Town staff posted signs at all locations throughout the community advising residents to refrain from use until further notice, including the floating section of Hunters Bay Trail.
Huntsville says it recognizes that outdoor activity and exercise is important during this difficult time.
It says green spaces in parks, trails, ravines and conservation areas that aren’t otherwise closed will remain open for walkthrough. Individuals using green spaces are asked to maintain a safe physical distance of at least two metres apart from others, refrain from using public amenities, disinfect any objects and surfaces needed, and wash hands immediately upon return home.
For the most up-to-date health information visit MuskokaTODAY.com and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website.
For a full list of up-to-date information on Huntsville closures and cancellations as a result of COVID-19 visit online at huntsville.ca/covid19.
They add that the Madill works yard and all fire halls will continue to operate with no access to the public.
For frequently asked questions or to ask a question on town services during COVID-19 visit myhuntsville.ca.
For all District of Muskoka and local area municipal program and service impacts visit muskoka.on.ca
