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Cranbrook, BC (April 9, 2020) – The City of Cranbrook closed all playground play structures including those on all school grounds, play courts and other specific outdoor recreation spaces on March 24 and those spaces remain closed until further notice.

These closures include:

• All playground structures, and all other play equipment in all City owned parks and spaces
• Tennis and pickleball courts
• All public washroom facilities
• Cranbrook Skate Park
• BMX Park

Despite these closures and all the Provincial orders in place, people are still reportedly using these spaces and facilities sometimes in larger groups, something the City says cannot happen.

“Just because these spaces remain open, it is not an invitation for people to congregate in groups which goes completely against all of the orders made by the provincial health officer,” says Chris Zettel, Corporate Communications Officer for the City of Cranbrook. “Our staff have been getting calls regularly about people still using the BMX park, the skateboard park and a number of our sports fields and ball diamonds for pickup games and practices. We are pleading with people to please obey the orders in place and I’m asking parents to please talk to your kids about not gathering in these spaces with their friends. These spaces are closed for a reason.”

Natural spaces and trails in Cranbrook including Idlewild Park, Elizabeth Lake, Rotary Trail and NorthStar Rails to Trail remain open and accessible to the public, along with the Muriel Baxter Off-Leash dog park until further notice. These spaces remaining open will only happen if all users continue to observe and obey the proper social distancing as required by the Province.

Remember, social distancing is important as we try to curb the spread of COVID-19. Keep at least 2 meters (6 feet) from others and avoid large gathering spaces. Wash your hands often, and cough or sneeze in the bend of your arm.

We appreciate the community’s continued understanding and patience during this unprecedented event, as we all work together to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in our city and help slow the spread of COVID-19.