It’s match point in Victoria, as the city preps to open various outdoor recreation facilities including tennis and pickleball courts, sports fields, and skate and bike parks on Thursday.
The city says although facilities will be open for recreational use, lessons and league play are still suspended, and physical distancing rules are still in place.
The reopening is all a part of the BC Restart Plan, which includes the resuming recreation this month as part of phase two.
For now, close contact facilities like playgrounds, basketball courts, outdoor gyms and the Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre will remain closed.
Decisions about rec facilities have been guided by public health officials from the start of the pandemic, and that is not changing any time soon. The city says it will monitor provincial recommendations as part of a safe recovery.
“A cautious re-opening of some outdoor recreation facilities is a positive step forward for physical and mental well-being,” said Mayor Lisa Helps. “It’s important to stay active and healthy outdoors and we’re doing that in a safe, coordinated way across the region.”
Closure signage and fencing will be removed in the coming days and replaced with new signage to communicate guidelines for those wanting to use the facility.
Tennis courts are not the only venue to open for outdoor activities on May 14, provincial parks are also set to open for day use across B.C.
According to the city, recreation ambassadors will continue to be out in public spaces to engage with residents about recreation facilities and to encourage physical distancing.
Rebecca Lawrence
