(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

more measures enacted

City of Red Deer closes all playgrounds

Mar 23, 2020 | 6:45 PM

Playgrounds are now out of bounds in the city of Red Deer in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The City announced this decision during its daily press conference on Facebook Live Monday night.

Mayor Tara Veer reiterated that the closures are being done in the name of stopping the spread, while imploring social distancing.

“This was a difficult decision for us to make, as we know families are at home with children, looking for ways to keep active and enjoy warmer temperatures,” said Veer. “We must make these hard decisions in order to stop the spread in our community. We know we are doing the right thing.”

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The closures include fitness parks, but do not pertain to public trails, open park spaces and other pathways.

Asked how a playground ban will be enforced, Emergency Operations Centre Director Karen Mann said the City primarily hopes to compel people through information.

“Municipally, the City of Red Deer is considering enforcement options around any closures we implement,” said Mann. “That’s easier with some because they are buildings, but with playgrounds, we rely a lot more on residents encouraging each other to follow the direction that has been provided. At this point, enforcement relies primarily with people choosing to do the right thing.”

Provincial and federal governments have warned that police enforcement of certain measures could be coming soon. According to Alberta.ca/covid19, one can make a complaint about people not social distancing here.

The City will be cordoning off and posting signage on and around playgrounds in the coming days.

Mayor Veer also noted that there is a conversation scheduled for Tuesday with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs to discuss provincial direction on the potential deferral of property taxes.

Citizens are encouraged to visit alberta.ca/covid19, and for the latest on how City services are impacted, visit reddeer.ca/covid19. Reach the City’s Call Centre — open 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. — with questions at 403-342-8111.