News Release - March 20

Closure of All Parksville Playgrounds

Effective immediately and until further notice, all playgrounds in the City of Parksville are now closed to use by the public. This decision was made by the City to help stop the spread of COVID-19, protect our residents and encourage social distancing in our community.

Dr Bonnie Henry issued clear directives that parents should not be taking their children to playgrounds, as health officials continue to emphasize the importance of social distancing to curb the spread of COVID-19. This statement was made last evening by Dr Henry:

"If there is a group of kids all mingling together on a playground that's not what we need right now. We need it to be in a controlled environment. Parents should not be letting children go and have playdates and go to playgrounds with other groups of children, because we know that they can transmit this virus and then they bring it home to you and they bring it home to your family."

We wish the public to know this decision was not made lightly as we know children want to get out and play; however, please consider creating other family outdoor adventures which keep you safe and which will limit exposure to the virus.

Appropriate signage will be posted at playgrounds as soon as possible.

For more information:

Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communications

dtardiff@parksville.ca

250 954-3073

Consultation has concluded