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Last week the Province of Ontario outlined businesses and recreational facilities that would be permitted to open within Ontario regulations and public health guidelines as early as Tuesday, May 19, 2020. The Town of Tecumseh learned at that time that some Town facilities could re-open this week. As a result, the Parks and Recreation Department is mobilizing to ensure these facilities are safe and ready to open as soon as possible. Restrictions on use are outlined and may be modified following meetings with sports associations related to these facilities.

“We learned last Thursday that certain facilities are permitted to open this week, subject to safety considerations. We understand everyone is eager to return to recreational activities that have been closed however residents must understand the time it takes to ensure our facilities meet public health guidelines,” said Gary McNamara, Mayor of Tecumseh. “Tecumseh is committed to, and hopeful of, entering a safe, new normal, as we move to a recovery phase in the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to encourage residents to be vigilant in following public health protocols to reduce the spread of the illness.”

The following outdoor recreational facilities will be open for use starting on Friday, May 22:

  • Tennis Courts*
  • Pickleball Courts*
  • Lakewood Park Disc Golf
  • Tecumseh Skate Park
  • Tecumseh Dog Park
  • Basketball Courts
  • Picnic Areas / Park Shelters
  • All Park Benches & Tables
  • Non-Permit-Based Sports Fields

* Note: Tennis and pickleball courts will be open to everyone for use Friday, May 22 to Tuesday, May 26. Starting on Wednesday, May 27, membership key access will be in effect. To purchase a membership key, register at TecumsehRec.ca.

Signage will be posted at each facility indicating COVID-19 safe play recommendations. Residents using these facilities are reminded to keep their distance from others at the facility by leaving 2 metres of space at all times. Users are to provide their own equipment and wash/sanitize hands and equipment before and after play.

“We ask the community to be patient as we take measures to prepare facilities for re-opening in a manner that ensures public safety,” said Paul Anthony, Director of Parks and Recreation. “Our priority remains the health and safety of our community and staff. The Ontario Government has indicated in their framework that while restrictions may be relaxed, businesses and facilities should only reopen when it is safe to do so.”

The following recreational facilities remain closed:

  • Playgrounds
  • Beaches
  • Outdoor Exercise Equipment
  • Tecumseh Leisure Pool
  • Splash Pads
  • Permit-Based Sports Fields
  • Public Washrooms
  • Tecumseh Recreation Complex & Arena

The Town continues to work with sport organization partners to ensure there are plans in place to meet Public Health guidance and their sport governing body’s requirements, before any facilities are reopened. More information will be posted once timing of the reopening of further facilities and resumption of activities and services is allowed. The Provincial Emergency Order remains in effect at this time, which means that public gatherings are still limited to 5 people. Further, physical distancing rules remain in effect. During the announcements last week, Premier Ford stated that all reopenings are contingent on health indicators continuing to show progress.

 

Information on this and all Town of Tecumseh news and events is available at www.tecumseh.ca. Twitter (@TownofTecumseh), and Facebook (Town of Tecumseh). All updates will be posted on our website and users may register for regular updates using the online subscription service at https://subscribe.tecumseh.ca/subscribe.

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Media Contacts:

Paul Anthony, Director Parks & Recreation Services, 519-735-4756 Ext. 423

Kerri Rice, Manager Recreation Programs and Events, 519-735-4756 Ext. 421