May 21, 2020
The City of Edmonton is taking a phased and balanced approach to relaunch efforts. Effective Friday, May 22, playgrounds, skateparks, tennis, pickleball, volleyball and basketball courts, disc golf, outdoor fitness parks and athletic tracks will start to re-open.
“We understand that Edmontonians want to get outdoors and enjoy the many spaces and places in their neighbourhoods,” said Interim City Manager Adam Laughlin. “Opening amenities and staying safe is a shared responsibility and it demands that we continue to collectively do our part.”
In all re-opened spaces, users must follow public health guidelines including:
- Maintaining 2 metre physical distance;
- Gathering in groups of 50 or fewer;
- Only sharing common equipment with members of the same family or cohort;
- Staying home if you feel sick;
- Washing and sanitizing your hands before and after using these areas.
Some courts and courses, for basketball and disc golf, will be ready immediately. Tennis courts will take a bit longer to unlock and reopen in order to rehang nets and clean surfaces. We ask that if barriers are in place, allow our crews the time to remove them, in order to ensure everyone’s safety.
No league play is allowed and no new bookings will be taken for any field or court at this time. Spray parks will remain closed for the 2020 summer season.
At today’s Emergency Advisory Committee meeting the State of Local Emergency was renewed for the next seven days. A number of other relaunch plans and initiatives were discussed, including:
- Starting May 25, Animal Care and Control will start the intake of healthy stray dogs dropped off by Edmontonians
- Due to an increase in parking congestion, EPark fees will be reinstated starting June 8.
- The Edmonton Valley Zoo will open starting June 15 with additional operating restrictions.
- The opening of an additional four Shared Streets with more to open in the coming weeks:
- The residential roadway of 112 Avenue South, from 112 Avenue to 76 Street
- On 76 Street, from 112 Avenue South to 110 Avenue
- On 110 Avenue, from 76 Street to 75 Street
- On 75 Street, from 110 Avenue to Ada Boulevard
More detailed guidelines and information for safe sport court use and relaunch plans are available at
edmonton.ca/covid-19
As you experience the many spaces and places in the city, things may look different. We are out there working to keep you safe, however, you may notice longer grass, more weeds or litter build up as we navigate these unprecedented times. Please clean up after yourself when using public spaces or notify 311 if there is an urgent need. We’re all in this together and ask for your patience and understanding as we work to balance competing priorities with our new financial reality.
Thank you for your cooperation in playing safe and staying safe by adhering to physical distancing requirements and appropriate use of public spaces.
