New Westminster – Effective immediately, the City of New Westminster is closing all park playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts, skate and all-wheel parks until further notice. Public washrooms will remain open to the public, and are being cleaned with increased frequency.

“Out of an abundance of caution and in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, we have made the decision to close all City playgrounds to ensure social distancing protocol is followed, as per the recommendations from the Provincial Health Officer,” said Mayor Jonathan Coté. “Parks, trails and boardwalks will remain open, but the public is reminded to maintain social distancing.”

Signage will be installed at City-owned playgrounds over the next few days.

Park users are being asked to follow safety measures as directed by the local health authorities including:

• Avoid groups and maintain a distance of one to two metres from others.
• Regularly and thoroughly wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available).
• Avoid touching your face.
• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Not attending public facilities if you are sick.

Physical activity is encouraged even while practicing social distancing or self-isolation. New Westminster has a variety of public parks, trails, and natural spaces for the public and families to play, walk, cycle, and stroll.

You can find updates on city services, programs and facilities at newwestcity.ca/covid-19.

-30-

Media Contact:

Dean Gibson
Director, New Westminster Parks and Recreation
or 604-830-6961