Oshawa yesterday announced it will open outdoor splash pads, as well as offer permits for sports training on its outdoor soccer fields, sports fields and ball diamonds. These changes will take effect on Thursday, July 2.
“The City of Oshawa’s top priority is the safety and health of its community members and staff. The City’s Pandemic Steering Committee has been working to introduce the gradual reopening of the city in a manner that mitigates risk and follows the medical advice of the province and the region,” said a city statement.
Oshawa has come in for criticism for not keeping pace with other Durham municipalities which opened facilities such as beaches and splash pads from June 19.
The city said following careful review of municipal facilities and programs, below are changes to program services and operations.
Sports Fields for Outdoor Team Sports Training: The city is reinstating permits for sports team training at outdoor soccer fields, sports fields and ball diamonds as of Thursday, July 2.
As directed by the province, outdoor team sports may resume use of fields for training purposes only and with no scrimmages or games. Physical distancing measures of 2 metres (6 feet) separation must be adhered to at all times when using the fields and diamonds.
Teams are reminded that there is no access to public washrooms or change rooms.
Interested teams can contact the Facility Booking Office to book an outdoor space and learn more.
Splash Pads: The city is reopening its nine splash pads as of Thursday, July 2.
Splash pads will operate daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and hours may be extended during an extreme heat alert. For more information on splash pad locations, visit the Splash Pads webpage.
City staff will monitor activity on a rotating basis at splash pads and will clean and disinfect the splash pads during each visit. Please respect posted signage indicating capacity and physical distancing.
Lakeview Park: At Lakeview Park, the city is now providing portable washroom units, including accessible units. The portable units allow the city to offer washroom facilities that provide for physical distancing. Hand sanitizers are available at each unit and they are being cleaned and disinfected daily.
Additionally, the city has made some picnic tables available at Lakeview Park for visitors to use while adhering to health authority guidelines and government orders.
City staff are continuing to perform due diligence work to prepare our programs, services and facilities to welcome the community back. We thank you for your patience as we work through this.
30,000 masks from Chinese sister city
Oshawa has received 30,000 protective masks and 500 protective gowns from the City’s Chinese sister city, Wuxi Xinwu District.
The generous donation of protective equipment was made possible through a collaboration between the City of Oshawa, Xinwu District of the City of Wuxi, Canada Wuxi Chamber of Commerce (a local Chinese Canadian business organization based in the GTA), the Durham Chinese Canadian Culture Centre and PiVAL International (an Oshawa-based logistics company).
The city worked alongside the Durham Chinese Canadian Culture Centre to bridge the two communities and arrange for the donation, while PiVAL International provided the much needed storage and transportation of the protective equipment.
The protective equipment will be used by city staff, as well as some will be donated to our community partner organizations in need.
The city extended its gratitude to the sister city and expressed continued appreciation for the friendship with Wuxi Xinwu District and thanks PiVAL for providing the logistics support.
“On behalf of the City of Oshawa and the Oshawa community, we extend a heartfelt thank you to our Chinese sister city, Wuxi, for its generous donation of protective equipment. We thank PiVAL and all the partners who worked together to make this donation possible,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter.
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