The municipality is starting to reopen parks and outdoor recreation spaces across the region.

As part of the province’s relaunch strategy, residents can once again use green spaces in municipal parks, basketball courts, baseball diamonds without gates, cricket fields, running tracks, soccer fields, skateboard parks, trails and walkways.

“Our community has done a good job following public health orders and recommendations, allowing us to begin reopening parks and outdoor recreation spaces,” said Scott Davis, RMWB Director of Emergency Management, in a release.

“However, COVID-19 is still present in Alberta and we must continue to keep our guard up. We are counting on community members to use parks and outdoor recreation spaces responsibly. If this doesn’t happen, we will close these amenities again.”

The amenities in the flood impacted areas will remain closed for the time being. Once crews are able to properly clean and assess the damage, these spaces will be opened to the public.

Despite being able to use these areas, residents are being reminded to stay at least two metres away from others and to avoid gathering in groups of 15 or more.

Organized sports, activities and pick-up games are not allowed. People should also avoid sharing any equipment, unless the individuals are from the same household or cohort family.

People should also avoid touching hard surfaces in these spaces as they are not sanitized.

Meanwhile, ball diamonds with gates, boat lauches, dog parks, community gardens, municipal playgrounds, spray parks, and tennis courts remain closed to the public.