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The original item was published from 7/21/2020 9:38:00 AM to 8/6/2020 9:31:52 AM.

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Parks, Recreation & Culture Stories

Posted on: July 6, 2020

[ARCHIVED] COVID-19 | Parks, Recreation & Culture Updates

Covid19_NewFlash

The following info pertains specifically to COVID-19 updates from Parks, Recreation & Culture (PRC) to help streamline this department’s info for citizens. The official City of Maple Ridge COVID-19 information landing page is available here. 

Effective Friday, March 20, City Hall, Bylaws and the Operations Centre were closed to the public. Staff are still at work to ensure City operations run smoothly, we’re just doing business a bit differently. Whenever possible, please use our eServices available here.

Park Amenities & Recreation Facilities

Maple Ridge has reopened select park amenities with new physical distancing rules following the recommendations of the BC Restart Plan. City park sites and trails remain open at this time so people can get fresh air, however citizens are reminded to follow the guidelines to distance from other family units. We ALL need to do our part to stop the spread COVID-19.

Parks, Recreation & Culture staff will continue to monitor and implement recommendations outlined by the BC Centre for Disease Control and will communicate with the public if further cancellations and/or closures are required.

In All Cases:
  • Continue to physically distance
  • Do not share or touch another person’s equipment
  • Share the space/amenities - Limit your time to 30 minutes when others are waiting
  • Refrain from spectator gatherings - do not congregate and maintain a 6’ distance while waiting
  • Continue to wash your hands regularly (before and after play)
  • Refrain from touching your face

When will Local Sport Organizations (LSOs) be permitted to resume their activities (focused on community participation and training)?

The Province of BC asked viaSport BC, to work with the sport sector in developing a plan on how amateur sport can safely return to activity.  viaSport BC completed this work, received sign off from the Province and has released the official Return to Sport Guidelines which will a) help LSOs navigate how to safely restart activities and b) guide municipalities (in conjunction with the BC Restart Plan) in their evaluation of rec facilities. 

The City’s evaluation of rec facilities includes determining which facilities can be safely reopened and what new safety measures must be in place prior to reopening. We are also working on necessary adjustments to policies on allocation, facility use and access.

We look forward to having organized and recreational sports return to their activities in the near future and appreciate your patience as we complete this work. Your safety is our priority! 

COVID-19 Safety Plan Process

  1. STEP ONE | Provincial Sport Organization develops COVID-19 Safety Plan with board approval. Will be available here.
  2. STEP TWO | Local Sport Organization develops COVID-19 Safety Plan with board approval. 
  3. STEP THREE | LSO submits their COVID19 Safety Plan to facilitybookings@mapleridge.ca.
  4. STEP FOUR | City will provide a Facility Safety Plan including COVID19 related policies and procedures with a Rental Agreement Addendum for LSO sign-off.
  5. STEP FIVE | City will work through allocation process with Sport Users based on reopening timelines (TBA).

Guiding Documents

Facility Bookings
Greg Moore Youth Centre, Maple Ridge Leisure Centre and Library rentals have been canceled until August 31, 2020 to protect the community and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Refunds will be provided for rentals affected by the closure(s). In order for us to assist you as effectively as possible, we encourage citizens to contact us via email during the following hours.

For information on Hammond Hall, Whonnock Lake Centre, Park Shelters and other outdoor facilities please contact our Facility Bookings team. 

Facility Bookings:
Monday – Friday | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
facilitybookings@mapleridge.ca

Spray Parks, Basketball Courts, Playgrounds, Skate Parks, Disc Golf, Running Tracks, Tennis Courts, Pickleball Courts, Sports Fields (Synthetic & Grass), Bike Skills, & Lacrosse Boxes:
These amenities are now open for informal/casual use. To help reduce the spread of COVID19 and support safe participation in Sport, the track at Maple Ridge Secondary School is closed to public during the following times for Golden Ears Athletics: 

Monday – Thursday | 5:00PM – 8:00PM
Friday | 5:00PM – 7:00PM
Saturday | 10:00AM – 12:00PM 
Sunday | 2:00PM – 4:00PM

Washrooms:
Portable washrooms are being reintroduced in parks and permanent public washroom facilities are reopening with enhanced cleaning protocols. Please take appropriate precautions when using these amenities – you may want to consider bringing your own hand sanitizer.

Recreation Facilities that remain closed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 transmission:
  • Maple Ridge Leisure Centre (*with exception of registered timeslots at the Fitness Centre and Indoor Sport Courts) 
  • Greg Moore Youth Centre
Hammond Outdoor Pool
We are excited to announce that Hammond Outdoor Pool is opening on Monday, July 13 with registered timeslots for length swimming, aquafit and public swim! Please remember to stay home if you or a household member have felt sick or have had symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours. For full details on how to register, activity descriptions, the safety plan and more, visit our landing page.

*Fitness Centre (in the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre)
Parks, Recreation & Culture (PRC) staff are excited to welcome you back to the Fitness Centre. PRC staff have developed a safety plan including registered timeslots, physical distancing protocols and increased disinfection practices to help mitigate the spread of the virus. For more information on registration, a link to the safety plan and a listing of timeslots, please visit our landing page

*Indoor Sport Courts (in the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre)

The indoor sport courts in the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre will reopen starting July 24. In line with Phase Two of the viaSport Return to Play Guidelines, our sport courts will be available for individual use or for 1-1 coaching. If two individuals prefer to work on skill development, they must maintain current physical distancing standards. At this time, scrimmaging and/or game play (any form of competition) will not be allowed. For full details on registration, visit our landing page

Programs
Registration for the Maple Ridge Parks, Recreation & Culture Summer Program Guide is now live. We can’t wait to be a part of your summer adventures!  Check out the guide and register today!

Outdoor Group Fitness Classes

Parks, Recreation & Culture staff are excited to be offering Outdoor Group Fitness classes! By providing registered classes, increased physical distancing, and increased disinfection practices, PRC staff have developed a comprehensive COVID-19 Safety Plan that allows our community to safely return to group fitness to pursue your wellness goals.   

We have implemented new practices and procedures to ensure that our patrons, staff and community are safe. We are following the guidelines and recommendations set out by the Provincial Health Officer, our local healthy authority, BCRPA and Worksafe BC.

Festivals & Events
All festivals and special events of more than 50 people on municipal property in Maple Ridge are cancelled up to August 31st, 2020 or until further notice from the Provincial Health Officer. Staff are reaching out to individuals and organizations who have booked facilities to provide refunds.

We understand this is a difficult time for all and that these closures and cancellations may impact you, your family and/or your organization. We appreciate your understanding during this unprecedented time and are committed to providing you with updates and support where possible.

2020 Maple Ridge BC Summer Games Update
To reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of British Columbians, the 2020 BC Summer Games that were scheduled for July 23-26 in Maple Ridge have been cancelled. The BC Games are held every two years. Greater Vernon will host the 2022 BC Winter Games and the 2022 BC Summer Games will be in Prince George. The City of Maple Ridge was given the opportunity to host the 2024 Summer Games and on March 24 council unanimously voted in favour of hosting. You can find a link to the BC Government media release here.

Visit the City of Maple Ridge’s official COVID-19 landing page for more information.



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