New Westminster – The City of New Westminster will gradually reopen select playgrounds starting Monday, June 1st. The playgrounds that will reopen were identified based on their proximity to public washrooms where appropriate handwashing can take place both before and after playground use.

On Monday, June 1st, playgrounds at Moody Park, Port Royal and Quayside Park will reopen, and playgrounds at Queen’s Park, Hume Park, Sapperton Park, Westminster Pier Park, and Grimston Park will reopen throughout the week. The remaining playgrounds will gradually reopen over the summer.  All spray parks will remain closed until further notice.

“With the easing of restrictions by the Province of British Columbia, we have been able to gradually reopen many of our park amenities and are pleased that the community is complying with the guidelines and using these amenities safely,” said Mayor Jonathan Coté. “I want to continue to remind everyone that we all need to work together and follow the proper protocols so that we can reopen additional amenities going forward.”

Playground users are asked to adhere to the following protocols:

• Washing hands thoroughly before and after using play equipment;
• Maintaining physical distancing;
• Avoiding large groups;
• Limiting use of playgrounds at busy times;
• Staying at home if ill or exhibiting symptoms.

“The playgrounds selected to reopen in this first phase were chosen because they are adjacent to public washrooms. Our goal is to begin to establish good handwashing habits and our hope is that those good patterns will carry on when other park amenities reopen,” said Dean Gibson, Director of Parks and Recreation. “We know our young park users will need to be reminded of the new rules, and we ask parents and caregivers to help children follow the guidelines so everyone can stay safe.”

Kid-friendly signage will be installed both at the playgrounds and in the park washrooms reminding everyone to wash their hands both before and after using the play equipment. The City’s Physical Distancing Champions will also be monitoring parks and playgrounds to help promote safe play practices.

The City of New Westminster continues to monitor and follow the orders and recommendations from local health authorities and will slowly reopen other recreation amenities in a phased approach when it has been deemed safe to do so.

Residents who witness others not complying with provincial health orders can report incidents to the COVID-19 compliance hotline by phoning 604-636-4343 or emailing

For more details and up-to-date information on the City’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit www.newwestcity.ca/covid-19 and follow the City’s social media channels.

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Erika Mashig
Manager, Parks and Open Space Planning
City of New Westminster
604-527-4530 or