There's some good news from the City of Prince George for those wanting to spend time outside.
As of today (June 5), roughly all city and School District 57 (SD57) civic and school playgrounds are now reopened as well as washrooms and fenced dog parks.
“As we reopen our city playgrounds it gives children the opportunity to get outside and have some fun and exercise,” Mayor Lyn Hall says in a release.
“Council would like to thank residents for being patient as we reopen our many parks and playgrounds throughout the city.”
The city and SD57 are both asking parents to make sure children are following provincial orders set out by Dr. Bonnie Henry and the Ministry of Health when it comes to physical distancing, proper hand-washing and limiting large gatherings more than 50 people when visiting facilities.
It also says that if any child feels sick to not visit until they feel 100 per cent better.
Parks, park washrooms and fenced dog parks among other facilities were closed by the city on April 3 after Dr. Henry announced guidelines for physical distancing and public gatherings.
SD57 had closed playgrounds on March 23 to prevent any potential spread of the virus.
"In alignment with school districts across the province, we are re-opening our playgrounds," SD57 Superintendent Anita Richardson adds in the release.
"As Dr. Henry has indicated, it is safe to do with users taking the appropriate measures. There should be small numbers of children on equipment at any one time, preferably small family groupings outside of school hours. All users should avoid physical contact and we will have signs in place as a reminder about physical distancing and the importance of washing or sanitizing hands before and after play."
The city has also announced public washrooms at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park and Duchess Park are also now reopen after being closed for more than two months due to COVID-19.
Duchess Park washrooms are open from 8 a.m. until dusk and Lheidli T’enneh washrooms may be used from 9 a.m. until dusk, the city says.
All fenced dog parks in the city are also now reopened.
