Pandemic rules for day-use in Alberta provincial parks kicks in May 14
Contributed
Recognizing the role that access to the outdoors and recreation in the outdoors plays to Albertans’ sense of well-being, access to provincial parks and public lands will be re-opened using a phased approach, beginning with:
• Vehicle access to parking lots and staging areas in parks and on public lands opening May 1.
• Opening a number of boat launches in provincial parks on May 1 and working to have them all open by May 14. Check albertaparks.ca for the status of boat launches.
• Government is working hard to make campsites available as soon as possible, with the goal to have as many open as possible by June 1 so Albertans can enjoy our parks while adhering to current health orders.
At this time, sites are open to Albertans only. Check albertaparks.ca for updates.
• Group and comfort camping will not be offered. Campground facility access restrictions to areas such as showers, picnic and cooking shelters will also be posted to albertaparks.ca.
• Alberta Parks’ online reservation system will be available May 14 to book site visits beginning June 1. Out-of-province bookings will not be processed.
• No washrooms or garbage pickup will be available within provincial parks at this time. These services will be available as soon as Alberta Environment and Parks brings staff back. These seasonal positions represent an important opportunity for Albertans to secure employment during challenging economic times.
• Fire bans in parks, protected areas and the Forest Protection Area remain in place.
• No off-highway vehicle restrictions are currently in place. Local restrictions may be required if the risk for wildfires increases.
• Private and municipal campgrounds and parks can open with physical distancing restrictions, under their own local authority.
• Golf courses can open May 2, with restrictions including keeping clubhouses and pro shops closed. On-site shops and restaurants can open in stage one, consistent with other businesses and retailers.
Also Special Areas parks and campgrounds will be opening on a limited basis on May 15.
Initially, campgrounds at Blood Indian, Prairie Oasis, and Carolside will be restricted to self-contained units only – i.e. those with internal water supply, holding tanks and personal washroom facilities like RVs and trailers. Overnight camping for tents or in vehicles will not be permitted.
Special Areas personnel will be closely managing day use at all their parks to keep employees and community members safe. Use of the day use area (including the playground and beach areas) and boating will not be permitted at Prairie Oasis Park at this time.
Most facilities at the Special Areas parks will be closed for now – and they could stay closed for the season.
This includes things like shower buildings, washrooms, playgrounds, trading post/concession, and the spray park. Based on the recommendations of public health officials, they cannot operate parks and campgrounds las per usual.
This could – and likely will – change over the next few weeks and months. There will be updates on the Special Area website at: https://specialareas.ab.ca/2020/05/ parks-campgrounds-opening-on-limited-basismay-15-2020/