After St. Albert reopened two playgrounds last week for children to frolic again, the city is planning to have all play spots open by June 6.
While St. Albert is discouraging playground use since they are not being sanitized, city councillors agreed during their May 19 council meeting to allow stir-crazy children to climb and swing again.
St. Albert began with opening Lions Park and Rotary Park on May 20. Since then, the city has gradually been undergoing inspections and maintenance work on other playgrounds across the city.
Up-to-date statuses of each park can be found on the city’s website: https://stalbert.ca/rec/parks/places/playgrounds/.
Most community parks are now open, and the city will follow by opening all neighbourhood parks, school sites and fitness stations by next weekend, June 6.
“I’m confident that parents know their kids best and know that their kids can follow those important guidelines, and I’m sure everyone is looking to have a few more options for getting outside,” said Coun. Natalie Joly about the need to still maintain physical distancing and practise good hygiene.
Chief administrative officer Kevin Scoble said a phased-in approach is required for reopenings to ensure the city can complete all necessary Canadian Standards Association inspections and maintenance work.
Under provincial direction, St. Albert is required to provide signage outlining gathering restrictions and physical distancing requirements.
Previously, St. Albert was told by provincial health authorities they would have to undergo frequent sanitization of playground equipment in order to open up playgrounds.
“And life slowly goes back to normal, step by step,” Mayor Cathy Heron said.
Council also decided to remove chains from dog park gates that left the gates in a default open position.
A city press released reminded residents not to use equipment that is still marked closed.
