The Town of Paradise today provided an update on its programs and services as the province enters Alert Level 2 under COVID-19.
“We understand our residents are anxious to have all facilities open and available; however we must ensure we are able to follow all public health guidelines at all times. The health and safety of our employees and our residents is always our top priority,” said Mayor Dan Bobbett.
“We do want our residents to be able to enjoy outdoor areas and recreation amenities, but it is just not possible to open all Town facilities, areas and amenities and maintain the public health requirements,” explained Mayor Bobbett. “Our goal is to offer a mix of amenities – playgrounds, courts, skate park and recreation areas –at locations throughout the Town, rather than focus all availability in one location.”
The Town Hall remains closed to the public, but staff are on site providing services and programs for residents. Appointment-only access will be available to residents who may need to visit the Town Hall; residents can call 782-1400 to arrange an appointment.
In addition to areas previously opened under earlier Alert Levels, effective Thursday, June 25, the following are open and available for public use:
- Playground at Paradise Park
- Playground at Peter Barry Duff Memorial Park
- Splash Pad (Paradise Park), limit of 20 users on the area at a time
Town recreation staff will be stationed at Paradise Park and Peter Barry Duff Memorial Park playground locations to monitor for physical distancing, disinfecting playgrounds and ensuring capacity limits at the Splash Pad.
Effective Thursday, July 2 the following three playgrounds will open for public use:
- Horncastle Drive (Elizabeth Park Area)
- Lanark Drive (Adam’s Pond Area)
- Milton Road (Trails End Area)
These playgrounds will be disinfected twice daily as per public health requirements and Town staff will be monitoring the areas. Remaining Town playgrounds, including those on school properties, are closed at this time.
Those using Town amenities and recreation areas are reminded to follow public health guidelines and posted signage at all times.
It is anticipated the BodyQuest Fitness Centre in the Paradise Double Ice Complex will open mid-July. Modifications are needed to meet public health guidelines and that work is underway.
The Paradise Double Ice Complex will open for private rentals only effective July 13. Staff are contacting renters to review public health guidelines, requirements and restrictions. The Rotary Paradise Youth and Community Centre is being used for the 2020 Summer Day Camp program and as a result will remain closed to the public until the fall.
The Dianne Whalen Memorial Soccer Complex and the Milton Road Ball Field are ready for use by the local sporting associations. The Town did become aware of an unforeseen issue involving rental agreements and waivers; the Town has provided all information to the sporting associations and they may begin offering programming as permitted under public health guidelines.
“Without a doubt this year is certainly bringing its share of challenges. I thank our staff for their tireless work in meeting all of those challenges head-on and ensuring our residents continue to have Town services and programs. I also thank our residents for their patience and cooperation as we adapt our operations to meet all the challenges we’ve faced. Our true community spirit in the Town of Paradise has never been more evident than it has in 2020,” said Mayor Bobbett.