Local trails, parks, sports fields, disc golf, tennis and pickle ball courts are among the first amenities scheduled to be open in the City of Cranbrook and across the region between now and Wednesday, May 20.

Spaces in Cranbrook tentatively slated for reopening include:

• All park spaces (excluding playgrounds and play structures);
  • Trails (practice physical distancing);
  • Picnic areas for family and small circle use;
  • Gyro Park Tennis and Pickleball courts – limitations apply and no events. For family and small circle use only;
• Disc golf courses – limitations apply and no events. For family and small circle use only;
• Sports fields for family and small circle use, no organized practices, or activities allowed;
• Idlewild fishing (practice social distancing and follow the BC Fishing regulations);
  • Limited use in horse corral @ Idlewild Park – for individual use only.

Please visit www.cranbrook.ca/restart for further information on the limitations, best practices and guidelines for each of the areas noted above.

“I am pleased that we are able to reopen some of our parks and the amenities they provide. With summer coming people need to get outdoors and participate in healthy activities,” said Mayor Lee Pratt. “I encourage all of our residents to continue to practice all the safety procedures that the provincial health authority has advised that we all follow. Hopefully, it won’t be long until all services will be available again.”

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK), municipalities and several local First Nation governments are participating in this collective, regional approach to an East Kootenay restart.

The City of Cranbrook will continue to work with our regional partners on phasing in additional facilities and amenities over the coming weeks, which include public washrooms. Planning is focusing on opportunities to open outdoor basketball courts, spray parks and splash pads, playgrounds and play structures, but these facilities currently remain closed.

The city is expecting additional guidelines in the coming weeks from both the province and the Provincial Health Officer, which will provide more clarity around sport activities, and restarts for indoor facilities.

“The BC Recreation and Parks Association is working on some industry-wide guidance and recommendations, which will be reviewed and incorporated into local plans for parks and outdoor spaces,” said Chris New, Director of Community Services for the City of Cranbrook. “In addition to the outdoor spaces, two other sub-committees are working on plans for reopening indoor facilities, sport activities and programming in the coming weeks. We will continue to provide updates as details are finalized.”

While all of these spaces begin to gradually reopen locally, there will be an important focus on personal responsibility as we venture out, including:

• stay home and away from others if you are sick;
  • following physical distancing by keeping at least two metres apart from others;
  • practicing good hygiene by washing hands before and after visiting amenities;
  • be self-sufficient and carry your own hand sanitizer/wipes;
  • keeping your circle small. Keep your group limited to members of your household and very select friends/family;
  • no congregating in groups and no large group activities;
  • wait your turn at a safe distance and give everyone the opportunity to enjoy the facilities.

You can continue to find the latest news and information around the COVID-19 response both locally and regionally on the city’s website. You can also find important links to additional information from both provincial and federal health agencies and governments.

As a community, we remain strong, compassionate, and caring. As we move into this new phase, it is important not to forget to keep checking in on our friends and neighbours. Offer help and support where it is needed most, and do not be afraid to reach out for help if you need it yourself. We will be a stronger community for it.

Lead image: Idlewild Park in Cranbrook. e-KNOW file photo

City of Cranbrook

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