Tofino tiptoed towards recreational normalcy on Friday by announcing the reopening of Centennial Park as well as the public skate park, tennis courts and basketball courts at the Village Green.
In an email to the Westerly News, mayor Josie Osborne said the re-openings were based on advice and guidance from provincial public health officials and the BC Recreation and Parks Association.
“This is being done on a trial basis, so in order not to ruin a good thing, the District asks all users to wash their hands before use, to stay at least two meters apart from all other users, and to avoid congregating—come back later if it’s busy,” she wrote. “As well, it’s extremely important not to leave home or go out in public at all if you’re feeling at all unwell.”
She said the provincial government has been providing steady guidance to local governments around reopening offices and facilities that have been closed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re taking small, cautious steps that protect people’s safety but allow us to resume cultural and recreation activities that we know are so important to people’s mental and physical health,” Osborne said. “We will use the same, cautious, step-wise approach in the resumption of municipal office operations and in assisting businesses in starting to return to their activities. At all times, we are taking direction and guidance from Provincial public health officials, and working with many local business and service organizations to receive advice and feedback.”
andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
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