Thursday April 30, 2020 ~ SOOKE
by Mary Brooke ~ West Shore Voice News
It’s part of the ‘new normal’, to be excited that parks will be open again, after the closure of many public spaces during the initial phase of response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today the District of Sooke announced that they are re-opening some parks in their area, effective at 4 pm on Friday May 1, 2020.
Their list for May 1 includes Ed Macgregor Park, the Marine Boardwalk (at the foot of Ed Macgregor Park and along over to Murray Road), Whiffin Spit, and Sooke Bluffs Park.
There are no smaller neighbourhood parks or school grounds mentioned on the list of re-opened parks.
Conditions for keeping the parks open:
In order for the Parks to remain open, the District says that residents are encouraged to adhere to the following recommendations:
- Stay at home if you are sick.
- Help limit interactions with wildlife and other residents. Marine birds may have been enjoying the enhanced refuge of Whiffin Spit. Please keep an eye open for nests, and do not disturb any if sighted.
- Consider keeping pets on-leash. On-leash dogs will limit interactions and help create an environment where wildlife, humans and pets can co-exist.
- Yield to other parks users and maintain at least six (6) feet of distance from other residents.
- Endeavour to restrict groups to members of same household.
- Stay to the right of trails to allow safe passing and call out to warn others of your approach if sight-lines are poor.
- Whiffin Spit parking lot washroom will be open, but trail-side outhouse will remain closed.
- Pack out all dog waste and garbage as garbage can surfaces are not cleaned regularly. Please do not leave waste outside the cans.
- Use picnic tables and benches responsibly, and at your own risk, as it is not feasible to maintain a regular cleaning schedule after each use.
- A full parking lot is an indicator that the park is at capacity, and residents are encouraged to visit another time, or find another park to enjoy – please do not park on residential side streets and walk in.
Increased bylaw enforcement:
There will be an increased Bylaw presence at District Parks to ensure considerate use. Thank you for using our precious parks responsibly to ensure continued access.