The Town of Tecumseh is taking additional measures to encourage social/physical distancing to reduce opportunities for the spread of COVID-19 through measures in local parks. The Town is posting signs on playground equipment, skate park, tennis and pickle ball courts, and the leash-free dog park, confirming closures of these facilities. These measures will remain in effect until further notice and are directly related to the advice and recommendations from the federal and provincial governments and public health agencies.

“We continue to take measures that result in reduced exposure to this virus. We have the support of our public health unit in taking measures to ensure social/physical distancing,” said Gary McNamara, Mayor of Tecumseh. “Nothing makes me more unhappy than having to take such extreme measures as closing of these outdoor facilities and playground equipment, especially at a time when schools and daycares are closed. But it’s necessary and we can do this – every individual action counts. Stay home, spend time in your backyards, go for walks but avoid touching surfaces and being in groups of people.”

The measures being taken are as follows:

• the dog park will be closed with locks placed on all entrance point gates and signed
• fencing will be placed around the skate park and Lakewood Park climbing rock/work out equipment and signed
• all swings will be taken out of service and caution tape will be wrapped around playgrounds and signed
• outdoor washrooms will remain closed until further notice
• tennis and pickleball courts will be locked and signed

This work will be undertaken by municipal staff by midnight Tuesday, March 24, 2020 and will remain in place until further notice. Residents are requested to avoid congregating in groups, keep a physical distance from others, wash your hands and stay home unless it is absolutely necessary.

Tecumseh closed all public facing offices on Wednesday, March 18 at noon. This includes the Town Hall, Arena, Fire Hall and Public Works and Parks & Recreation Offices. Work continues in the offices with service provided by phone, e-mail and drop-box. Phones continue to be answered during regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and online service requests remain available at all times. For changes in services, we encourage citizens to monitor our website and social media feeds.

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit; Travel Advisories; Health Canada; and, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. Information on this and all Town of Tecumseh news and events is available at www.tecumseh.ca, Twitter (@TownofTecumseh), and Facebook (Town of Tecumseh).

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Program Contacts:     

Marg Misek-Evans, Chief Administrative Officer, 519-735-2184 Ext. 111

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