PITT MEADOWS, BC – Beginning on June 1, Pitt Meadows residents may once again use the City’s playgrounds. The decision to re-open playgrounds has been made with recent information received in accordance with the Provincial COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines and the Canadian Playground Safety Institute. These guidelines indicate that playgrounds are a safe environment and that everyone should be mindful of appropriate personal hygiene before and after play.
“Our community has done a great job of helping to stop the spread of COVID-19,” says Mayor Bill Dingwall. “We have heard from the Province that outside play is beneficial and we welcome families to make use of our community’s playgrounds. We encourage all users to continue to practice physical distancing and to supervise children while using playgrounds.”
Fencing and caution tape will be removed on Monday, June 1. Signage will be posted to encourage all users to use good hygiene before and after use. Residents are reminded to follow the direction of the Province which includes:
• Wash hands before and after play and touching shared surfaces (use hand sanitizer if washroom not available);
• Avoid touching your face;
• Keep a minimum of two metres or six feet away from people from other households; and
• Stay home if you are feeling sick.
“The safety of our community and staff are our highest priority,” says Chief Administrative Officer Mark Roberts. “The City of Pitt Meadows is working hard to respond to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic based on guidance and updates from the Province. We know that COVID-19 has low infection and transmission rates in children in outside settings and that outdoor play is vital for physical and mental wellbeing and development of children.”
Programs and services at the Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre, Heritage Hall, South Bonson Community Centre and the Pitt Meadows Art Gallery will not be considered for reopening at this time. This includes summer day camps, however some limited outdoor programs may reopen later this summer should we feel confident they can resume in a safe manner.
Information about reopening other City facilities will be shared at pittmeadows.ca/COVID19.
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For more information please contact:
Carolyn Baldridge
Manager of Communications & Community Engagement
City of Pitt Meadows
cbaldridge@pittmeadows.ca