GRAVENHURST ONLY OPENING A FEW REC AREAS THIS SUMMER

GRAVENHURST — It’s going to be a long hot summer in town for most without cottages.

The Town of Gravenhurst has announced that some beaches and more recreation amenities are due to re-open here the day after tomorrow.

In a release today, the town said that on Friday, May 29, they are continuing to ease current restrictions by opening some including:

Swimming delineators (buoy lines) will be placed at each location.

And as the town’s public washrooms remain closed due to reduced municipal resources and recent adjustments to service delivery, temporary portable toilets have been placed at each of the following public areas:

Gull Lake Rotary Park, Gravenhurst Lions Pavilion, Muskoka Wharf Sports Field Pavilion, Muskoka Bay Park, Muskoka Beach Park and the off leash dog park.

Officials say these sites are fully equipped with sanitary supplies and will be cleaned on a daily basis by contracted services.

In addition to existing amenities – which remain closed due to Provincial Order – including outdoor playgrounds and splash pads and all ball diamonds, the town says they will continue to be closed for the balance of the summer in order to begin capital refurbishment projects, including new lighting, irrigation system, and new sod and play surfaces in the infield and outfields.

Muskoka Beach Park and Lorne Beach Park will also remain closed for swimming this season due to maintenance necessary to repair shoreline retaining walls.

All trails remain open in Gravenhurst, though trail-goers must continue to adhere to physical distancing requirements.

However, all town boat launches, as well as public and private docks, at the Muskoka Wharf are open, with daily and seasonal boat slip rental opportunities still being available.

Contact public works by email for more information on dock slip availability at publicworks@gravenhurst.ca.

The town says it continues to actively monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and aims to gradually re-open additional outdoor amenities in the coming weeks.

It also reminds people to abide by posted signage throughout the town, practise physical distancing by keeping two metres between you and others, wash your hands or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, sneeze and cough into your sleeve, and consider wearing a face mask to protect yourself and others around you.

Some beaches, including Gull Lake, will open Friday in Gravenhurst; but many other sites such as the splash pad and the Lorne Street park swim beach will remain closed for repairs this summer. (File photo)