The City of Prince George and School District 57 reopened playgrounds, fenced dog parks and the public washrooms at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park and Duchess Park this weekend.
There are approximately 80 civic and school playgrounds throughout Prince George. The city closed its playgrounds on April 3 in order to comply with public health orders aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19.
“As we reopen our city playgrounds it gives children the opportunity to get outside and have some fun and exercise," Mayor Lyn Hall said in a press release. “Council would like to thank residents for being patient as we reopen our many parks and playgrounds throughout the city.”
Although parks and playgrounds are open, residents are still urged to follow public health guidelines about social distancing, hand washing and limiting gatherings to 50 people or less. Parents are also asked to not bring children to playgrounds if they or their children are feeling sick.
“We’re happy to make playgrounds available to our students and the general public again. Children will be supervised during school hours, but, no matter the time of day, we encourage everyone to keep the health and safety of themselves and others in mind,” School District No. 57 superintendent Anita Richardson said in a press release. "As (provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie 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."
The fenced dog parks at Corporal Darren Fitzpatrick Bravery Park and Duchess Park have reopened. The off-leash dog parks at Moore's Meadow and Ginter's Meadow remained open during the pandemic.
Public washrooms at Duchess Park are open from 8 a.m. to dusk daily, and those at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park are open 9 a.m. to dusk. Outhouses at other city parks are also open for us.
The city is increasing cleaning at public washroom facilities and urges residents to practice safe hand hygiene and physical distancing when using them.
