Over 500 Ontario parks and conservation areas are reopening today
- Michael Kras
- 11 May 2020
Nature lovers, rejoice! In a press briefing on Saturday, Premier Doug Ford announced that, beginning this week, more than 500 of Ontario’s provincial parks and conservation reserves will be reopening to the public.
The selection of 500 parks and conservation reserves will be open for day use only beginning on Monday May 11th, with all remaining areas reopening this Friday May 15th. Recreational activities will be limited to walking, hiking, biking, or birdwatching.
Campgrounds and beaches will remain shuttered for the time being, and park amenities such as playgrounds are also currently off limits.
Beginning May 11, we’re providing access to some provincial parks and conservation reserves for limited recreational day-use, such as walking, hiking and biking.
Find out more here: https://t.co/I4G2IBpjCv pic.twitter.com/dNxsgHZMCm
— Ontario Parks (@OntarioParks) May 9, 2020
The original closures of Ontario’s parks were a crushing blow for many locals who were finding solace during this difficult time through strolling on the trails and in the trees.
However, multiple documented instances of obvious overcrowding and misuse meant that the province’s parks and conservation reserves had to be closed until further notice, in the interest of encouraging social distancing and flattening the COVID-19 curve.
Now that these areas are reopen – weeks ahead of what was originally predicted, in fact – Ontarians who make use of them are required to continue practicing social distancing by keeping at least 2 metres away from others, not gathering in groups, and keeping pets leashed.
“I encourage people to get out and enjoy the outdoors, but please do so in a responsible way,” stressed Premier Doug Ford. “Practise physical distancing and follow the rules set out by health care officials to stop the spread of this virus.”
The full statement from the Province of Ontario can be read on their website. Those eager to get back into nature again can check the status of their local provincial park or conservation reserve on the Ontario Parks website.
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