With Little Lake being off-limits due to blue-green algae and another beach regularly closed, Midland has created an initiative to try to keep COVID-19 at bay.
As well as reminding boaters about the need to get proper permits to park near the town's boat launch, Midland is creating a pilot project involving 20-foot diameter circles at Gawley Park beach, with 10 feet of space between neighbouring circles. The circles are designed to provide physical distancing for those using the beach, with each circle being large enough to host a social bubble of beach users.
“With Little Lake Park beach closed and Pete Pettersen Park beach under a lengthy swim advisory, Gawley Park beach has emerged as a popular destination for those looking for relief during hot summer days,” Mayor Stewart Strathearn said in a release.
“The installation of these circles will help provide a safer space for beach users, while also still allowing for residents to enjoy the beach.”
In addition to the distancing circles, large boulders in the Gawley Park area have been relocated to prevent visitors from driving/parking in prohibited areas and additional garbage cans have been added to accommodate increased activity.
The town plans to monitor the project to determine if it should be considered for other parks and beaches in the near future.
As well, the town’s reminding boaters that Pete Pettersen Park boat launch parking is for Midland residents only. Non-residents are permitted to use the boat launch at no cost; however, they must make alternative arrangements to park at nearby Bayport Marina.
But the move is nothing new, according to municipal law enforcement officer Jim Reichheld.
“The resident only parking restriction has been in place at least since I have been employed by the town (2006),” said Reichheld. “And I’m sure much longer before. It is not new."
Midland residents are required to obtain a free boat launch parking pass, which permits parking of vehicles and trailers in the parking lot area at the boat launch. Proof of residency is required along with the vehicle being used for transporting and launching a boat. This permit must be displayed in the vehicle with a boat trailer and is valid only in designated parking areas. A maximum of two nights parking is permitted.
Free boat launch parking passes can be obtained from the Midland Harbour office between 7:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and between 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. during the weekend.
Vehicles not displaying a valid 2020 parking pass on their windshield will be ticketed and possibly towed at the owner’s expense.
Adds Reichheld: "At this time the ticket is $20.00 ($15.00 early payment) and tickets can be issued every two hours.”
.jpg;w=120;h=80;mode=crop)