Oshawa and Whitby have closed playgrounds, sports fields, ball diamonds, courts, skate parks and washroom facilities until further notice in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
“Health and safety is always our number one priority and these are extraordinary circumstances. We have activated our Emergency Plan and ask for your cooperation as we continue to take measures for our community’s safety,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter.
The following City outdoor facilities are closed to public use until further notice:
- Playgrounds
- Sports fields and ball diamonds
- Courts (including Pickle Ball, Tennis and Basketball courts)
- Skate parks
- Park washroom facilities
The temporary closures support recommendations and guidelines from government and health authorities and are in effect to help reduce the potential for gatherings and to facilitate physical distancing, said a city media release.
Community members are welcome to use Oshawa’s open park spaces and trails; however, we remind you to follow the recommendations of health authorities on distancing and limiting gatherings, it added.
Ask questions,tell stories of kindness
In his fourth video statement on the Covid-19 pandemic, Mayor Dan Carter encouraged community members to continue to help where they can, thank first responders and essential workers, and to share stories of kindness.
Community members were invited to share their stories and photos illustrating the spirit of Oshawa and acts of kindness amid Covid-19 on social media using #OurOshawa.
Join Mayor Carter for his first Instagram “Live at Five” on Wednesday, March 25 at 5 pm. “Live at Five” will air daily on weekdays at 5 pm on the city’s Instagram account (@cityofoshawa). Questions and stories can be shared during the Live, or emailed in advance to Mayor@oshawa.ca.
Whitby closes playgrounds
The Town of Whitby is closing all of its playgrounds and playground structures effective immediately to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. Signage will be posted at each site to this effect.
Whitby’s playground structures are made of high-touch surfaces that can’t be sanitized after each use. The town is focused on social distancing as a key way to stop the spread of Covid-19, said a statement.
Click for more information on the actions being taken by the Town of Whitby in response to Covid-19.