Delta playgrounds and basketball hoops reopening on June 1

ON Monday, June 1, playgrounds and basketball hoops in the City of Delta, like other municipalities across Metro Vancouver, will reopen. This includes playgrounds on Delta School District property and basketball hoops shortly thereafter as maintenance checks allow.

This is part of the City’s phased approach to reopening public amenities to continue to limit the spread of COVID-19. In early May, the City of Delta opened sport courts, turf fields, and other outdoor amenities like disc golf and lawn bowling. Last week, skate parks and bike parks reopened. The safe use practices at these amenities exhibited by Delta residents have allowed for the reopening of playgrounds and basketball hoops on June 1.

Delta Mayor George Harvie said: “I am very proud of the community for our combined efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19. The actions of all individuals are serving to protect the community as a whole and have allowed us to move forward with safe phased reopening of outdoor recreation amenities. I am excited to see kids back on playgrounds, experiencing the simple joys of being kids.”

Val Windsor, Board Chair, Delta School District, said: “Delta School District will be reopening playgrounds at its school sites starting the week of June 1 in alignment with the City’s plans, and the phased-in return of students to schools. In addition, our maintenance teams will begin the task of putting the basketball hoops back in place. We ask parents to ensure that their children practice safe physical distancing while using the school playgrounds and hard courts, and wash their hands or use hand sanitizer afterwards to reduce the risk of COVID-19.”

The City said it is imperative that all users of these newly opened outdoor amenities follow the posted signage, adhere to guidelines for safety, and cooperate with Delta’s Park Ambassadors who will continue to educate patrons about physical distancing. Parents are especially encouraged to help their children practice safe physical distancing on playgrounds. If everyone follows these simple procedures, we can control the spread of COVID-19:

  • Keep at least two metres (six feet) away from people from other households
  • Avoid large groups and gatherings
  • Wash hands thoroughly and frequently
  • Avoid touching your face
  • Cover your cough or sneeze
  • Limit use of the amenities at busy times
  • Stay home if feeling unwell with no exceptions

Visit the City’s website at Delta.ca/coronavirus for updates to Delta’s response to COVID-19 and Delta.ca/VirtualRecreation for a full schedule of live programming and to view some of the pre-recorded classes.