What services are open and what is closed as part of Stage 3 reopening

KAWARTHA LAKES-Here’s the latest on what services are open and what is closed as part of Stage 3 of the provinces reopening plan.

Public Boat Launches

Public boat launches re-opened May 14. Physical distancing is required and patrons are advised to use at own risk.

Public Beaches

Public beaches in Kawartha Lakes are now open unless otherwise posted. Limited services are available at some beach properties. Beach-goers are advised to:

• Follow beach safety protocols and procedures are posted
• Practice physical distancing
• Stay home if you or any member of your family is sick
• Visit a beach close to home to reduce travel and the spread of the virus
• If you arrive at the beach and find its crowded and difficult to physically distance, have a back up plan to do another activity

For further information on COVID-19 Beach Safety guidelines visit the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit website: www.hkpr.on.ca.

Municipal Parks

Municipal parks are open to casual and pass-through visitors. Patrons are advised of the following:

• Observe physical distancing
• Be aware of high-touch areas
• Wash hands thoroughly after touching any surface
• If the park you are visiting is busy and physical distancing is difficult, consider leaving and heading to a less crowded area
• Avoid visiting the park if you are sick

Park benches, picnic tables and picnic shelters

Park benches, picnic tables and picnic shelters are open and available for casual use on a first come, first serve basis. When using facilities, visitors are reminded to:

• Observe physical distancing
• Be aware of high-touch areas, wash hands thoroughly after touching any surface
• If the area you are visiting is busy and physical distancing is difficult, consider leaving and heading to a less crowded area
• Stay home if you are sick

Municipal Tennis Courts

Municipal tennis courts opened to the public for casual use on a first come, first play basis on May 19. Players should be aware of the following COVID-19 safety protocols:

• Tennis players must practice physical distancing
• Limit play to singles or doubles with partners from the same household
• Players should clearly mark their tennis balls and refrain from picking up others’
• Players are advised not to share racquets or equipment
• Use at own risk

Community Halls

Community halls re-opened July 24. For booking inquiries contact the Facility Booking Office at: facilitybooking@kawarthalakes.ca or call 705-324-9411 extension 1226.

Playgrounds

Playgrounds re-opened as of July 17. Playground equipment is not sanitized, use at own risk. Visitors should be aware of the following safety protocols:

• Stay home if you are sick
• Practice physical distancing
• Wash hands with soap and water frequently
• If the playground is busy consider returning when it is not so crowded or moving to a less crowded place

Splash Pads

Municipal splash pads opened June 26 under strict new COVID-19 guidelines.

Splash pads are open to the public daily 11am to 7pm. Water flow will occur 11am to 1pm, 2pm to 4pm and 5pm to 7pm until August 3. After August 3, Splash pads will no longer have no flow times and will flow daily 11am to 7pm.

Patrons should be aware of the following COVID-19 specific guidelines when visiting splash pads:

• Use at own risk
• A limited number of participants will be allowed into the splash pad at one time
• If the splash pad is busy, consider returning when it is not so crowded or have a back up plan
• Physical distancing must be observed
• Be aware of high-touch areas and wash hands thoroughly following use

Municipal Sports Fields and Sports Courts

Sports fields and sports courts are open for use.

On July 24, Wilson Fields in Lindsay re-opened for formal organized sports and league play. Bookings must be made in advance through the Facility Booking Office at 705-324-9411 extension 1226 or by e-mailing: facilitybooking@kawarthalakes.ca

Sports fields/sports court users should:

• Observe physical distancing at all times
• Avoid sharing equipment with others
• Be aware of high-touch areas and wash hands thoroughly following use
• Avoid gathering in parking lots before or after play

Skate Parks

Skate Parks are open for casual use under the following COVID-19 safety guidelines:

• Physical distancing should be observed
• Be aware of high-touch areas and wash hands thoroughly following use
• If the skate park is busy, consider returning when it is not so crowded or moving to a less crowded place

Municipal Trails

All municipal trails are open to walking, cycling and other active transportation. The Victoria Rail Trail is open to motorized vehicles (i.e. ATVs) where permitted.

Trail users should be aware of the following COVID-19 safety guidelines:

• Observe physical distancing
• Share the pathway or trail. When approaching others, step off the pathway unless the path is wider than six feet. Both parties should do this.
• Be aware of high-touch areas and wash hands thoroughly following use
• Avoid visiting the trail if you are sick

Pools and Aquatic Programming

The pools at the Lindsay Recreation Complex re-opened for Public Swimming on July 20 under strict new COVID-19 safety protocols.

All public swimming will be free of charge until further notice.