Park performance
Parks will close again if people don’t follow physical distancing rules and respect closures, City of St. John’s says.
A day after St. John’s parks reopened, the city says people aren’t obeying rules connected to the provincial guidelines for Alert Level 4 in the COVID19 crisis.
The parks opened Monday, and on Tuesday the city isued a news release saying it is concerned about the behaviour of some park users.
On Monday, enforcement staff spoke to many individuals setting up hammocks, holding picnics, using playground equipment and playing Frisbee in municipal parks, all of which are currently prohibited, Mayor Danny Breen stated in the news release.
The public is reminded that city parks are open for walkthrough and ride-through only. COVID-19 advisory signage has been posted at entrances and throughout parks, and physical barriers have been installed to restrict access to certain park features such as playgrounds. However, staff have noticed people crossing barriers and using these facilities despite the restriction, the city said.
“We understand the frustration these restrictions cause and are equally anxious to resume the new normal. We certainly had hoped that opening parks would provide an added activity for individuals and families to enjoy safely while still meeting the guidelines set out by public health officials,” Breen stated in the release.
“Unfortunately, if individuals persist in breaking the rules for our parks we will be forced to close them — an action that no one wants to take as warmer weather makes our parks a desirable location to visit.”
Gatherings are not permitted; the provincial Alert Level 4 indicates gatherings of 10 or less are permissible for burials, weddings and funerals only — not for day-to-day activities.
All playgrounds, hardsurface courts, dog parks, skate parks, outdoor sports facilities, pools/splash pads and beaches remain closed.
Informal or regulated sports activities that require contact, including all team sports, are prohibited.
All picnic areas within city parks are closed. Tables have signs and are wrapped in caution tape. Residents are asked to not remove signs or tape.
The Bowring Park duck pond will remain closed.
Dogs are not permitted in city outdoor sporting facilities, but are permitted to be walked on-leash in parks and open spaces.
Owners are asked to pick up after their pet.