Myron Crookedneck enjoys the playground after weeks of limited activity. (Nicole Reis/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

By Nicole Reis

PLAYGROUNDS OPEN

Local youth enjoy a sunny day and fresh air as playgrounds reopen with precautions

Jun 12, 2020 | 5:00 PM

Kids in Meadow Lake got some fresh air at Gateway Middle School’s playground this afternoon as playgrounds and parks reopened today.

Myron Crookedneck, 5, told meadowlakeNOW he is happy to finally play outside after weeks of limited activity. Playgrounds have been closed to the public since mid-March due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Keanna Duquette, 13, said while the parks were closed she still made time to enjoy the local green spaces which remained open during pandemic closures.

In an email, city manager, Diana Burton requested all who visit the parks to keep a safe distance of two meters from people outside your household group.

“Wash your hands before and after using playground equipment and don’t use the playground if you are sick,” she said. “Playground equipment is not being sanitized, so please use appropriate caution, avoid overcrowding and stay within the 30-person limit on public gatherings.”

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Maryn Crookedneck, 7, gets pushed by a family member on a tire swing. (Nicole Reis/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

Parks and Outdoor Playground Recommendations

According to the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan, every person who visits a park or outdoor playground must follow public health orders in order to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.

People not from the same household or extended household should maintain two metres of physical distancing at all times. Limit gathering with other people when entering and leaving the park/playground and supervising children playing (eg. paths, benches, picnic areas). Group sizes must comply with the public gathering restrictions. Ensure frequent hand hygiene for everyone before, during and after outdoor play. If an area is busy, such as playground equipment or park space, come back when it’s not as busy or use another play area. Do not share toys or sports equipment between groups.

• Practice proper hand hygiene:
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water or, when unavailable, with hand sanitizer.
• Refrain from touching your face.
• Carry and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers approved by Health Canada (DIN or NPN number) before and after using playground and other recreational equipment.
• Consider limiting children and other members of your household to only visiting playgrounds close to your home. This will help limit the number of people your family may come into contact with during the visit.

Mask use is not required, but non-medical masks are an additional measure you can take to protect people around you when physical distancing cannot be maintained or is unpredictable.

People exhibiting signs of illness should not enter parks or playgrounds. If you think you may be sick, use the Government of Saskatchewan’s self-assessment tool for COVID-19 and follow the subsequent directions.

—

nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @nicolereis7722