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Playground at Lethbridge's Nicholas Sheran Park. (Lethbridge News Now)

Many southern Albertan communities close playgrounds to limit COVID-19 spread

Mar 24, 2020 | 11:50 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Local governments throughout the region are taking steps to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Playground equipment has been identified as an area of particular concern as many officials feel it would be too difficult to keep the facilities constantly sanitized.

LNN has identified communities in southern Alberta who have announced parks closures/prohibitions. If there are any you know of that are not in this story, please notify us by email at Lethbridge.Newsroom@jpbg.ca

In all of these cases, residents are still encouraged to go outside as long as they maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from others and follow proper hygiene practices.

City of Lethbridge:

The city announced Monday that they were enacting a few measures to prevent the virus’ spread.

This includes prohibiting access to playground equipment, benches, picnic shelters, picnic tables, fire pits, washrooms, and fitness equipment until further notice.

A fire ban was also enacted for the river valley.

Town of Taber:

All playground structures are closed until further notice.

The town’s Emergency Operations Centre has been enacted, although there is no State of Local Emergency in Taber.

Town of Coaldale:

All playgrounds and amenities are closed until further notice.

This includes playground equipment, benches, picnic tables, and outdoor fitness equipment.

Municipality of Crowsnest Pass:

All playgrounds/play structures are closed until further notice.

The municipal office is closed to in-person public access.

Town of Fort Macleod:

Some non-essential services are unavailable, including the recycling trailer, cardboard bins, and well as public access to town parks and the Administration Office.

Town of Pincher Creek:

All playgrounds are currently closed to the public.

M.D. of Willow Creek:

All playgrounds in the Municipal District are closed until further notice.

This includes Willow Creek Campground Playground, Clearlake Campground Playground, Parkland Playground, Moon River Playgrounds, and Hamlet of Granum Public Playgrounds.

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