Warwick Township is reopening some of its parks to the public Tuesday.

A news release from the municipality says ball diamonds, benches, picnic tables and park shelters will be among some of the public venues opening but officials say public health measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 have to continue. That includes limiting gatherings to five people.

Here’s a list of what is reopening May 26 and the uses of the parks.

Outdoor baseball diamonds:

The community may use baseball diamonds for non-team sports that allow for physical distancing. Gatherings are still required to be no more than five people, unless they are living in the same household.

Benches, picnic tables and park shelters:

The community may use picnic tables, benches and park shelters (pavilions) provided that physical distancing of at least two metres is maintained. As these amenities are not sanitized, residents should wash or sanitize their hands thoroughly after use.

Basketball Court

Basketball courts are now available for use immediately, with physical distancing measures in effect. Basketball courts are to be used for non-team sports that permit physical distancing and gatherings of less than five people.

Tennis courts

Tennis courts are available for use with physical distancing measures in effect.

Track

The track is available for use with physical distancing measures in effect.

Off-leash dog parks

The Waste Management off-leash dog park is open for public use.

With these park amenities opening, the Township is reminding the community that health measures remain in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community. While using these spaces, please continue to practice all health guidelines in these spaces.

• Stay two metres away from others using the facility.
• Gatherings of no more than five people unless they are living in the same household.
• Sneeze or cough into your sleeve or elbow or cover with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

The Township of Warwick is working on new signage to be installed at spaces with open park amenities with these measures.

In keeping with physical distancing measures, if you arrive at a park space that is too busy or crowded, we ask that you wait until there is enough space to properly practice physical distancing or return at another time.

Permitted Activities in Parks

Additional activities are now permitted in parks and open spaces for recreational purposed.

Examples of recreational activities that are now permitted in parks include:

• Kicking a ball or playing catch.
• Sitting on a picnic blanket, the grass or a lawn chair.
• Flying a kite.
• Exercising or stretching on a yoga mat (not a group class).

The following park amenities will remain closed in accordance with the Provincial Orders until further notice:

• Outdoor playgrounds, play structures and equipment.
• Outdoor splash pads.
• Indoor facilities.

The Township has made the determination to keep the following amenities closed for the time being:

• BMX Park
• Washrooms
• Concessions