Last updated – Wednesday May 27, 2020
Cranbrook, BC -- Following guidance from the Province of BC and the Provincial Health Officer, the City of Cranbrook has started to re-open some outdoor facilities, with certain parameters the public is being asked to abide by.
The City is expecting additional guidelines in the coming weeks, that will start to layout the planning to open some sport opportunities and indoor facilities. Spray Parks and Splash pads remain closed. The City is also working with our local BMX club to determine opening dates, following the nearing completion of the track rebuild.
As more outdoor facilities are phased in, this page will be updated. We ask you to visit this page often to get up to date information on what recreational opportunities are available at the City, during the COVID pandemic.
Our residents can enjoy the following City recreation facilities. Please follow the guidelines and best practices for each activity listed below:
Parks & Greenspace (including Moir Park)
Parks and green space has remained open but is only for activities that can respect the general guidelines around safe physical distancing, and for family and small circle use. Playgrounds remain closed, however family picnics are welcome. Organized field sport activities, even team practices are not permitted.
Public Washrooms
Outdoor public washrooms at Rotary, Kinsmen, Gyro, NorthStar Rails to Trails and Idlewild Park on the lake level, will be open on May 29th. Idlewild playground level washroom will reopen June 1st. Washrooms at Moir Park, Kinsmen Quad Ball Park and Lions Mountain View field will remain closed for the short term. Park washrooms are open from 10 am to 8 pm. Please note that washrooms are only cleaned 1-2x daily. Users should follow all the safety guidelines, and carry their own hand sanitizer or wipes when using public facilities.
Trails
The City has a variety of trails including Rotary Way and the NorthStar Rails to Trails. Cycling, jogging and walking are some of the activities you can enjoy. Please maintain the 2m distancing, and make extra space on the right of the trail when someone is passing you from the opposite direction.
Tennis and Pickleball
- Keep 2 metres apart at all times, including if you are waiting for a court
- Limit play to singles, or doubles play with partners from the same household or within your small circle
- Do not share racquets or other equipment
- Clearly mark your ball and refrain from picking up others’ tennis or pickleballs
- Casual game play only: no lessons or league play allowed
- Remain courteous and limit play time to 30 mins when others are waiting
- Leave the court when you are done
Disc Golf
Keep well distanced and limit your groups to three participants (four if within family or close circle). Do not share discs. Please use the “Ten foot Gimme” - If you are within ten feet of the basket, don’t putt it out - to help limit hand contact at the basket.
Basketball Courts – McKinnon Park
Two nets are now open at the McKinnon Park location. For individual and family use. Users should not share equipment.
Skateboard Park
Keep your distance while skateboarding. Do not share equipment. If the park is busy, please try another time. Please do not congregate in the area if you are not participating in the activity. The onus is on the users to work within these guidelines to ensure the facility is able to remain opened.
City Playgrounds and the Seniors Fitness Park (Western Financial Place)
These facilities will open June 1st. These facilities are not cleaned, so users are strongly urged to bring their own hand sanitizer and follow the general safety guidelines.
Fishing
Idlewild Lake remains open for fishing. Keep your distance and don’t forget to follow the Provincial Fishing Regulations currently in place.
Riding Arena (Idlewild Park)
For individual use only. Please limit to no more than two horses on site at a time, and limit riding if others are waiting.
While each activity has some specific guidelines, the public is responsible for deciding on whether they choose to participate or to use these spaces. Remember that no matter which activity, you should abide by these general guidelines:
- stay home and away from others if you are sick
- following physical distancing by keeping at least 2m 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 at https://cranbrook.ca/residents/covid-19-updates-information/. You can also find important links to additional information from both provincial and federal health agencies and governments.
