The Windsor-Essex area will move into Stage 3 of the Provincial Framework for Reopening as of 12:01 a.m. on August 12. This means that recreational facilities within the Town of Tecumseh are permitted to reopen within Ontario public health guidelines and regulations. Parks and Recreation Department staff has been mobilized to ensure these facilities are safe and ready to open as soon as possible.

“We are pleased to be moving into Phase 3 of the provincial framework however I caution our residents and business owners that we must continue to be vigilant as the threat from COVID-19 is not over,” said Gary McNamara, Mayor of Tecumseh. “While we move into another safe transition between phases, I continue to encourage everyone to keep public health guidelines in mind for all of their activities whether it is taking the kids to the playground, going to the grocery store or visiting a local restaurant. We must continue to be vigilant.”

Starting on Wednesday, August 12, 2020, the following outdoor recreational facilities will be open:

Playgrounds and Play Structures

Outdoor Exercise Equipment

The following outdoor recreational facilities already open will be modified to allow for expanded use:

Disc Golf with baskets reinstalled

Tennis and Pickleball to allow doubles play ‘within social circles’

Starting on Friday, August 14, 2020, outdoor washroom facilities will re-open for use at:  

Lakewood Park and Optimist Park

The outdoor washrooms will be cleaned and sanitized once per day. It is recommended that users do the following: wherever possible, utilize the electronic push buttons or sensors to open the doors, turn on the sinks or flush the toilets; immediately wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds upon entering the washroom and prior to leaving; and, try to minimize contact with frequently touched hard surfaces as much as possible.

Tecumseh Parks and Recreation are out removing protection measures like fencing and taping, rehanging swings and ensuring equipment is safe for use. This work includes the installation of updated signage indicating Return to Play Recommendations. We kindly request that residents be mindful of the timeline for reopening and not use the facilities prior to their opening or interfere with staff completing this work.

Outdoor play equipment will not be sanitized and users are encouraged to practice proper hand hygiene, keep a physical distance of 2m (6 ft) and wear a mask or face covering when physical distancing cannot be maintained. If a playground is busy, Tecumseh Parks and Recreation recommends finding another park or returning to play another time.

The Tecumseh Arena is now open for ice rental and under Stage 3, the Town will continue to work with arena ice user groups to schedule ice time within the provincial guidelines, as well as offer community room rental space at the St. Clair Beach Community Centre and permit the use of outdoor pavilions in accordance with provincial health guidelines. To book facilities, please visit www.TecumsehRec.ca or call 519-735-4756.

As of August 12, Tecumseh residents are allowed to participate in indoor gatherings of up to 50 people and outdoor gatherings of up to 100 people, with continued physical distancing requirements of 2m (6 ft) from anyone outside your household or 10-person social circle.

 “COVID-19 remains a risk in our community and no service can resume or space re-open without the proper public health measures in place,” said Paul Anthony, Director of Parks and Recreation. “We ask those using our parks and facilities to continue to follow the health recommendations, stay home if you are not feeling well, keep 2 m (6 ft) apart and practice proper hand hygiene..”

Tecumseh’s two splash pads—one at St. Mary’s Park and one at McAuliffe Park—reopened for use in July. The Leisure Pool will remain closed this summer. Tecumseh’s Parks and Recreation Staff continues to plan and offer activities within public health guidelines.  Available activities are posted on the Town’s Virtual Recreation Complex at: www.tecumseh.ca/virtualrecreation. Full details on future activities and updates will be posted online and shared publicly.

Town Hall operating hours for  walk-ins for payments and applications/permits are 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. A maximum of 10 people will be permitted at all times in the Customer Service area and visitors are subject to screening upon entry. We ask that you not attend Town Hall if you are not well or can conduct your Town business by telephone, on-line, drop-box or email service. Appointments for the following in-person services are required, please call 519-735-2184 to schedule:

• Marriage Licenses
• Lottery Applications and Reporting
• Commissioning of documents
• Burial Permits and Registrations
• Taxi Cab Drivers’ Licenses
• Urban Hen Applications

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