Penticton’s Emergency Response Operations Centre will open some facilities May 15 as part of their phased plan to safely ‘restart’ the city. (File photo)

Penticton’s Emergency Response Operations Centre will open some facilities May 15 as part of their phased plan to safely ‘restart’ the city. (File photo)

Certain Penticton facilities to reopen May 15

Some facilities are reopening but the city still urges people to be extra cautious when outside

  • May. 13, 2020 12:00 a.m.

Some city facilities in Penticton will begin to reopen Friday, May 15.

Penticton’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has begun to plan the city’s reopening as part of a phased approach toward a safe ‘restart.’

READ MORE: Poll: Are you happy with the reopening plan in B.C.?

In addition to the parks and trails, beaches, sports fields and disc golf course currently open, the following spaces will also be reopened for casual use on May 15:

  • Skateparks
  • Tennis courts
  • Pickleball courts
  • Dog parks
  • Pump track
  • Fenced play courts

The city has been working with the BC Recreation and Parks Association, Sports BC and various provincial organizations to ensure a safe return to these activities, while aligning with provincial health guidelines.

While things are reopening the EOC still urges people to be extra cautious when outside.

“The Emergency Operations Centre is very aware of the pandemic we’re facing and is taking all the appropriate measures to ensure safety as we work toward the new normal,” said Penticton fire chief and EOC deputy director, Larry Watkinson. “As we take these steps, it’s vital that you continue to maintain physical distancing, wash and sanitize your hands frequently, and be mindful of others around you. We also ask that you keep your groups small and avoid sharing sports equipment.”

All indoor recreation facilities remain closed at this time, as do playgrounds, outdoor basketball courts, volleyball courts, playgrounds and splash pads.

The EOC is conducting risk assessments and working towards their safe reopening.

All updates will be made public when available and posted to penticton.ca/restart.

“The EOC is taking a careful and planned approach to restart Penticton. We all have a role to play in supporting this objective and following the advice of the provincial health officer,” said Penticton mayor John Vassilaki.

“If you are using any of these facilities, either this coming long weekend or beyond, please review and obey any posted signage instructions prior to starting your activities”.

READ MORE: COVID-19: Is B.C. reopening too soon? Lessons from Germany, Korea

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Penticton Western News