On Wednesday, June 24,  the Province of Ontario outlined Stage 2 Reopening for Windsor-Essex County businesses and recreational facilities that would be permitted to open within Ontario regulations and public health guidelines. As a result, the Parks and Recreation Department is mobilizing to ensure facilities are safe and ready to open as soon as possible by reviewing restrictions on use and meeting with sports associations related to these facilities.

“We learned this week that additional facilities are permitted to open, 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 and that local sport organizations are prepared.” said Gary McNamara, Mayor of Tecumseh. “Tecumseh is committed to, and hopeful of, continuing to expand services entering Phase 2. 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 Monday, July 6:

• Permit-Based Sports Fields – Soccer and Baseball
• Picnic Areas / Park Shelters
• Permit-Based Community Rooms
• Select outdoor washroom facilities

The Tecumseh Parks and Recreation Department is working closely with local sport organization partners to ensure there are plans in place to meet the Public Health guidance and their sport governing body’s requirements, before any facilities are permitted to open for use. Return to play guidelines include, but are not limited to, skill development only (no game play) and limit of 10 participants including coaches / trainers.

Signage will be posted at each facility indicating COVID-19 safe play recommendations. Individuals using these facilities are reminded to keep their distance from others at the facility by leaving 2 metres of space at all times.

“We ask the community and our local sport organizations 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 that previously opened on May 22, 2020 under Phase 1, continue to remain open under the existing posted guidelines:

• Tennis Courts
• Pickleball
• Lakewood Park Disc Golf
• Tecumseh Skate Park
• Tecumseh Dog Park

The following recreational facilities remain closed:

• Playgrounds and Play Structures
• Outdoor Exercise Equipment
• Beaches
• Tecumseh Leisure Pool
• Splash Pads *
• Tecumseh Recreation Complex & Arena

* The Splash Pad at St. Mary’s Park will open to be public, under re-opening restrictions, upon completion of facility opening maintenance and inspection procedures. The new Splash Pad currently under construction at McAuliffe Park will open upon construction completion and inspection approvals.

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 10 people. Further, physical distancing rules remain in effect. All re-openings are contingent on health indicators continuing to show progress.

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Media Contacts:

Paul Anthony, Director Parks & Recreation Services, 519-735-2184 Ext. 423

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