With temperatures across the region expected to soar to the upper 20s this weekend, Metro Vancouver is calling on park-goers to maintain physical distance from one another and continue to halt the spread of COVID-19.
Only days after Premier John Horgan announced his government’s phased-in plan to reopen the province, Metro staff continue to reassess the status of each regional park on an ongoing basis.
“Metro Vancouver has made every effort to keep our regional parks open during the COVID-19 public health emergency because we recognize their value for connecting with nature, reducing stress and maintaining physical and mental well-being,” said chair of the Metro Vancouver board of directors Sav Dhaliwal in a written statement.
“It is up to all of our visitors to do their part and keep each other and our staff safe during this critical time.”
All Metro Vancouver parks, with the exception of Barnston Island and Brae Island, are open. However, park facilities like playgrounds, docks and picnic areas remain closed.
The regional body has increased staffing, traffic management and signage at all of its 23 parks and continues to monitor and manage visitor behaviour.
Metro Vancouver is asking parks visitors to adhere to the following guidelines:
- Choose parks in your own area – do not travel across the region
- Walk, bike, or take transit to avoid contributing to traffic and parking issues
- Maintain physical distance of at least two metres from others at all times, including in parking lots
- Dispose of tissues and other waste in designated garbage bins
- Pack it in, pack it out – do not leave any items behind in parks
- Comply with closures of playgrounds, nature play areas and picnic shelters
- Wash or sanitize hands frequently during the day and upon returning home
- Stay home if you are sick
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