It’s splash time in Vaughan

Just in time for the first full weekend of summer, the City of Vaughan is opening additional park facilities, including splashpads and public washrooms. This is the latest announcement as the City continues its disciplined, responsible and measured approach to decision-making about reopening facilities and programs in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. 

Here is what is open and closed in Vaughan parks:  

The decision to reopen more facilities is informed by a risk model developed by the City with public safety always being the priority. The risk model uses Vaughan-specific data and reflects guidance issued by York Region Public Health and the provincial government, such as the ongoing extension of province-wide emergency orders and the announcement enabling York Region to enter Stage 2 of the reopening framework on Friday, June 19.  

Of note, splash pads are not supervised and require everyone to take precautions – maintain physical distancing and ensure hands are sanitized before and after use. Sports fields and baseball diamonds are open for passive uses only – such as kicking a ball with friends (within provincial limits for gatherings). Outdoor field permits for training purposes will be required as of Monday, July 6. 

Be Smart – Protect Yourself  

The City is reminding citizens that everyone has a role to play in stopping the spread of COVID-19 as park amenities continue to reopen. It is important to stay vigilant and follow protocols designed to help protect the health of the entire community. 

• Continue to practise physical distancing by keeping a safe distance of at least two metres (approximately six feet) away from others.
• Avoid gatherings of more than 10 people (per provincial guidelines). Congregating in parks and other public spaces while physical distancing measures are in effect is not permitted. Spectating must also be avoided to prevent crowding.
• Do not share equipment, including tennis racquets, skateboards or personal water bottles.
• Avoid visiting parks outside of your local neighbourhood or community.
• Tennis is only permitted in areas where nets are set up.
• Remember to gather all your belongings before exiting the park.
• Do not litter and place personal protective equipment, such as gloves or masks, into the garbage bin when done with them.
• Wash or sanitize your hands before and after visiting a splashpad.
• Always sneeze and cough into your sleeve or a tissue to prevent further transmission of germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Do not visit a park if you are not feeling well. Those who feel unwell and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19 should contact York Region Public Health at 1-800-361-5653 or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.
• Keep up with good hand hygiene, including washing your hands often with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.  

Any violations of the remaining park facility closures or usage requirements can be reported to Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca. Calls of this nature will be referred to the City's By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services department for investigation. Fines of $105 to $400 under the Parks By-law and $500 to $100,000 under the Emergency Measures By-law may be laid.  

QUOTE 

“On June 19, Vaughan advanced into Stage 2 of the provincial government’s path to recovery. In our response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, our top priority continues to be the health and safety of everyone who lives and works here. Today, we are announcing that starting Friday, June 26, we will reopen splashpads in Vaughan. I know that many of our citizens have been waiting patiently for this news, especially as we continue to experience higher temperatures. This latest action is in line with the City’s risk model, which is informed by Vaughan-specific data to help determine what facilities should remain closed and when they should reopen – with public safety guiding all our decision-making. As we begin the reopening process, I want to remind residents to continue to follow public health advice, including practising physical distancing, wearing a face covering, washing your hands frequently and thoroughly, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth. I remain optimistic about the decline in positive COVID-19 cases in Vaughan and throughout York Region. We must use our common sense and intelligence and continue making wise choices to eradicate COVID-19. We are all in this together, and we will emerge stronger.”
- Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua 

QUICK FACTS

• On Saturday, March 14, the City closed all community centres and library branches in response to COVID-19. The closure also extended to select events, all community centre permits/rentals, recreational programming, swimming pools, arenas and fitness facilities as well as the City Playhouse Theatre.
• On Tuesday, March 17, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua formally declared a state of emergency in Vaughan, making it the first city in Ontario to do so. The state of emergency remains in place.
• Effective Wednesday, March 18, Vaughan City Hall and all remaining City facilities closed to the public.
• On Saturday, March 21, the City advised members of the public to avoid any public playgrounds and other high-touch surfaces in parks as they are not sanitized. Signs were installed in all parks with playgrounds throughout the community directing residents to stay off the equipment. 
• On Wednesday, March 25, the City closed all remaining facilities within City parks to the public as a further precautionary measure. In addition to the playground closures a few days earlier, this included sports fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, the dog park and any other amenities.
• On Thursday, May 14, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua announced the City had chosen to keep park facilities closed to keep the community safe and healthy despite the provincial government allowing for some facilities to reopen.
• On Friday, June 12, the City reopened public tennis courts, skateboard parks, the dog park and parking lots.
• On Friday, June 19, the City reopened a number of additional park facilities, including picnic tables, benches, soccer fields and ball diamonds (excluding premium and artificial), and basketball and bocce courts.
• Effective Friday, June 26, the City is reopening splashpads and public washrooms.
• All other City facilities – including Vaughan City Hall, the Joint Operations Centre, community centres and library branches – remain closed to the public until further notice. 
• Those who feel unwell and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19 should contact York Region Public Health at 1-800-361-5653 or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For additional information and resources on COVID-19, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19. 

LEARN MORE  

• City of Vaughan’s COVID-19 webpage 

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