Splashing around Vaughan – safely

Hot weather continues this week, and the City of Vaughan is reminding residents to take precautions to stay cool – this could include visiting a local splashpad! 

The Parks, Forestry and Horticulture Operations team has opened the City’s 18 splashpads at parks throughout Vaughan. In response to COVID-19, the splashpads are being cleaned by staff daily to assist in keeping these facilities as safe as possible for citizens.

Splashpads are not supervised and require everyone to take precautions – maintain physical distancing and ensure hands are sanitized before and after use. 

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. 

1. Continue to practise physical distancing by keeping a safe distance of at least two metres (approximately six feet) away from others.
2. 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.
3. Do not share equipment, including tennis racquets, skateboards or personal water bottles.
4. Avoid visiting parks outside of your local neighbourhood or community.
5. Tennis is only permitted in areas where nets are set up.
6. Remember to gather all your belongings before exiting the park.
7. Do not litter and place personal protective equipment, such as gloves or masks, into the garbage bin when done with them.
8. Wash or sanitize your hands before and after visiting a splashpad
9. Always sneeze and cough into your sleeve or a tissue to prevent further transmission of germs.
10. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
11. Keep up with good hand hygiene, including washing your hands often with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
12. Do not visit a park or splashpad if you are not feeling well. 

As part of the City’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, most facilities, including community centres and swimming pools, continue to remain closed to the public to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Outdoor exercise equipment, the outdoor pool, playgrounds and premium/artificial fields and diamonds also remain closed. Any violations of these ongoing closures or park 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. 

For more information about City facilities, please contact Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca. To learn more about beating the heat, visit vaughan.ca/EmergencyPlanning. 

For more information on the City’s latest COVID-19 response efforts, visit vaughan.ca/COVID19, or contact Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca. Updates are also posted to the City’s official Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels. 

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, including physical distancing tips and advice from Public Health officials, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19. 

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