Newmarket splash pads reopening, pool remains closed

NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF NEWMARKET
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With the Province of Ontario announcing that York Region is able to move into Stage 2 of the reopening plan, Newmarket continues to take a more cautious and gradual approach to ensure these areas are safe for use and that proper procedures are in place.  

“I am pleased that municipalities in York Region have been given the go head to move into stage 2 of the Province of Ontario’s reopening plan,” says Mayor John Taylor. “The Town will once again be taking a cautious approach to reopening more outdoor recreational amenities with the goal of ensuring the health and safety of our community. Please remember that in order to keep these amenities open, we as a community need to continue to be strong and vigilant to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This includes practising physical distancing measures, adhering to social gathering emergency orders and washing your hands frequently.”
 
At this time the Town of Newmarket is focusing its efforts on reopening its outdoor recreational amenities only. The following are set to reopen by the noted date with restrictions. 
 
Spray Pads and Outdoor Water Features

• Rogers Spray Pad (170 London Road) - Open by Friday, June 19 
• Frank Stronach Spray Pad (850 Memorial Circle) - Open by Friday, June 19 

When using the spray pads, residents are reminded to stay at least 6ft. / 2m. from other people and follow social gathering sizes of 10 or less. Be courteous and share this space with the community. Limit your time and ensure others have a chance to use the amenity. If the spray pad is busy, and physical distancing is not possible, residents are asked to return at a later time.
 
The Town is working closely with York Region Public Health to reopen the Tim Hortons Skating and Water Feature at Riverwalk Commons (200 Doug Duncan Drive) as soon as possible. More information will be released when available.
 
The Gorman Outdoor Pool (424 D’arcy Street) will remain closed at this time. Current provincial guidelines around social gatherings and required physical distancing measures cannot be accommodated at this facility. 
 
Recreational Permits for Community Groups
Newmarket will not yet be issuing any permits for community groups or organized sports or league play at this time. Open outdoor recreational amenities such as sports fields, ball diamond and hard courts are for recreational use only. Sport organizations are welcome to uses these spaces recreationally, while complying with physical distancing and social gathering sizes (no more than 10 people) under provincial guidelines. Use of these amenities are available on a first come, first serve basis.
 
Please follow the rules posted at each location and remember to:

• Stay at least 6ft. / 2m. away from people outside of your immediate household.
• Follow the Province of Ontario’s emergency orders around social gatherings (no more than 10 people).

Residents are reminded to take extra caution and use these outdoor recreational amenities at your own risk. High touch-points at these outdoor areas (gates, benches etc.) are not cleaned frequently. Remember to wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based sanitizer after use. 
 
Expanded Outdoor Patio Program for Businesses
Newmarket has expanded its outdoor patio program to assist local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The flexible patio program was created to accommodate expansion and addition of outdoor patios for restaurants, bars and cafes, while maintaining physical distancing measures. Business owners looking to participate in the outdoor patio program are encouraged to contact the Town of Newmarket's Business Assistance Concierge. 

The Town will continue to monitor the changing COVID-19 landscape, seek guidance from the Province of Ontario and assess each reopening phase carefully with the health and safety of our community a top priority. Thank you for your patience as we work through each reopening phase.
 
For the most up-to-date information on what’s open and closed, visit newmarket.ca/reopen or follow us on social media @TownofNewmarket on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.