NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF MIDLAND
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With the first stage of the Ontario Government’s reopening framework being implemented earlier this week, the Town of Midland is announcing that some outdoor amenities will be reopened for public use as of 6 p.m. on Friday, May 22.
“Our residents have done a great job in helping to stop the spread of COVID-19, and we’re pleased that we’ve come to the point where we can safely reopen some of our outdoor amenities,” said Mayor Stewart Strathearn. “However, the work is not done. These amenities may be open and available, however users must remain vigilant and practice physical distancing, and limiting gatherings so we avoid a rise of COVID-19 cases in our community.”
The following outdoor amenities will be opened as of 6 p.m. on Friday, May 22:
- Park barricades will be removed;
- Sports fields (baseball, soccer);
- Basketball court;
- Tennis courts at Tiffin Park (Little Lake Park court to remain closed while undergoing repairs);
- Pickleball courts;
- Off-leash dog park, Skateboard Park, and Frisbee Golf course in Little Lake Park;
- Park benches and shelter (picnic tables will not be installed at this time); and
- Midland Rowing Club.
Any person using these outdoor amenities must adhere to the following government regulations:
- Practice physical distancing of two metres from other users;
- Team sports are not to be played or practiced on the fields/courts; and
- Any sports or games that are likely to result in individuals coming within two metres of each other are not allowed.
Signage will be posted at these amenities advising users of this and the potential fines they face for not complying with the Provincial regulations (O. Reg. 223/20, Schedule 3). Clubs operating using outdoor amenities will be required to have protocols in place that adhere to all safety guidelines established under these regulations.
Beaches, playground structures and equipment, public washrooms and the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre will remain closed until further notice.
“We understand that residents are eager to get out and enjoy the warm weather in parks, as they would normally,” said Mayor Strathearn. “The Town will be taking a cautious approach to reopening our facilities and amenities, taking our staffing resources, our ability to enforce the Provincial regulations, and first and foremost the health and safety of staff and residents into consideration, through every stage of the reopening framework.”
The Town of Midland will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and provide updates on the Town of Midland website at Midland.ca/COVID-19, and we encourage residents to follow our social media channels for updates as well, @MidlandON on Twitter, and @townofmidland on Facebook.
For more information on the state of COVID-19 in our area, please contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or visit their website at simcoemuskokahealth.org.
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