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In its latest move to contain the spread of COVID-19, the Town of Orangeville shut down some recreation areas — and is prepared to enforce those closures in the interest of public health and safety.



Signage and tape or barricades have been put in place to provide notice that many Town-owned amenities have been closed. To be specific, the following are closed until further notice:












  1. Playgrounds including play structures, swings, teeter-totters, benches, slides and climbers
  2. Skateparks closed to skateboards, scooters, BMX bikes, in-line skates, roller blades
  3. Playfields including soccer fields, softball fields, baseball fields and football fields
  4. Multi- purpose paved courts including basketball, tennis and ball hockey pads
  5. Dog park
  6. Splash pad areas
  7. Tennis courts
  8. Pergolas, picnic shelters, shade structures, and picnic tables

     


Fines can be issued for non-compliance. Ignoring the closures becomes a violation under the Trespass to Property Act. On March 20th, youths gathered at the skatepark, despite the presence of Town staff at the site, and police had to become involved. While the preference is to first educate violators, police can enforce the closures with the issuance of a provincial offence notice (ticket), and make arrests if people refuse to leave. The destruction of signs or other property on municipal property can constitute the Criminal Code offence of Mischief under $5000. Plus, there are other enforcement options available.



During the COVID-19 period of social distancing, when people are encouraged to stay home, essential outings do not include trips to the skatepark or playground. Orangeville Police will be conducting extra patrols of these areas, according to Staff Sergeant Dave McLagan.



Parks and trails remain open for walkers based on maintaining “social distancing”. The Town acknowledges that these are challenging times for everyone but everyone needs to heed health and government directives to protect the public and to bring the pandemic to an end.