Gradual reopening: Clarington opens outdoor spaces for public use

Clarington, Ontario –  The Municipality of Clarington is reopening its outdoor spaces for public use following all Provincial direction. Starting tomorrow, May 22, a group of up to five people will be allowed to enjoy Clarington’s sports fields, beaches, boat launches, and skate parks for a variety of activities.

“Following Ontario’s announcement, we are slowly reopening our outdoor amenities as allowed. We still must be cautious and follow all the rules. This means stick to a group of five only, wear a mask and continue to maintain a physical two-metre distance. Safety is still paramount. We don’t want to take two steps forward, only to be forced to take a giant leap back,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster.

So, what’s open as of Saturday, May 22, 2021? Here’s a list:

• Sports fields will reopen for public use with no organized sports or play.
• Boat launches. Bowmanville boat launch will remain closed due to safety concerns; repairs are being scheduled.
• Beaches will be open for groups of no more than five people. Please follow all beach direction, including no cooking and no campfires. The Municipality has supplied portable washrooms for public use. Please remember pets are not allowed on our beaches. Please keep the area clean and garbage-free.
• Tennis and pickleball courts. Please note, the Orono Park tennis and pickleball courts will reopen on Monday, May 24; they are currently under repair.
• Basketball courts.
• Skate parks.
• Splash pads. Four locations only: Port Darlington East Beach Park, Orono Park, Rickard Neighbourhood Park, Rosswell Park. Note that it may take some time to reactivate the splash pads and there may be unforeseen technical difficulties.

Municipal Law Enforcement Officers will be patrolling our outdoor spaces to promote physical distancing and educating the public on the latest set of Provincial rules regarding outdoor gatherings. Safety is still critical as we continue to manage COVID-19.

The Province announced yesterday its three-step roadmap to reopen; if things go well, we hope to enter Step 1 around the week of June 14, at which point we will be reopening other outdoor amenities and starting to issue sports field permits. Please be patient; the COVID-19 regulations may change, and the Municipality may be forced to pivot.

“We want to thank our residents for your continued support throughout this pandemic. Our community has rallied, coming together to endure some extremely trying times. Hope is here, and so is the nicer weather. Together, step-by-step, we will slowly and safely return to a new normal,” added Mayor Foster.

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Media inquiries:
Municipality of Clarington
Basia Radomski
Communications Manager
905-623-3379 ext. 2214 or bradomski@clarington.net