BC Parks and amenities opening up, but still stay local say officials

Recreate don’t congregate

The May long weekend is upon us, and it is like no other summer kick-off we have collectively experienced in our lifetimes. The many messages we are hearing from official news sources, and social media musings can be confusing. Here is our Squamish version of the Top 10 List of things to know this weekend.

10.         A number of local BC Parks are now open, which, added to our local Squamish parks and trails, provide us with more opportunities to enjoy our spectacular backyard and spread out. The Stawamus Chief park “backside trail” remains closed. Check the park status before you go: http://bcparks.ca/covid-19/parks-affected/

9.           BC Parks wants you to consider going early in the day to avoid crowds; come back another time if the parking lot is full; pack a Clean Trip Kit (hand sanitizer, gloves and toilet paper); and pack all garbage out. This is a great habit to get into for our local parks too. If washrooms are not available, plan for short visits only to avoid impacting the environment and other park visitors.  Check out this great BC Parks video for more info and advice: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=335743570721525

8.           Tennis courts within the District of Squamish are re-opening (with the exception of The Boulevard due to frost heaving over the winter). Brennan Park tennis courts are open. The Eaglewind tennis courts are set to open next week. The skate parks are also open.

7.           The Farmers’ Market is open on Saturday, as are many local businesses, with new and enhanced physical distancing and sanitization practices in place. Vary your routine and support our local businesses to help them recover. Some of our favourite local coffee shops are open!

6.         Public washrooms are available in Junction (Pavilion) Park, Downtown Squamish on Cleveland Avenue between Victoria and Main Streets.       

5.           We will start to see visitors to Squamish. Living in one of the most spectacular outdoor environments in the world, and being located 45 minutes from a major urban centre means that we share our backyard. This will help our local businesses recover. Plan ahead to avoid crowding. 

4.           Wide open spaces are good for us. There is a low chance of transmitting the virus when we are out in nature, and keeping our two metre distance from others. Recreate, don’t congregate.

3.           Develop your own personal plan based on your own personal circumstances. This is the time to form new social habits that will guide you on your journey over the coming weeks.

2.           “Fewer faces, smaller groups, shorter times together and bigger spaces will help to keep all of us safe,” Dr. Bonnie Henry has advised in her news briefings this week. 

And the most important thing to remember this weekend: 

1.           Be kind, patient and calm towards others and go easy on yourself. This won’t be forever.  

“Squamish, there are so many incredible little things we can focus on this weekend, and I urge each of you to take care of your mental and physical wellbeing and venture out a little,” says District of Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott. “We are blessed to live in such an inspiring natural environment, with so many outdoor areas to explore. Let us proceed with care, respect and tolerance for the others around us. We truly are all in this together.”

Visit Squamish.ca/Covid-19 for links to important health resources as well as an update on District of Squamish facilities and operations.

 

May 15, 2020

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