Trinity Bellwoods is a popular park. Photo by Luis Aparicio
The City of Toronto will again paint circles on the grass at Trinity Bellwoods Park to encourage people to practise physical distancing while using the park. Installation work begins this week depending on weather conditions – the paint requires dry, sunny weather to cure properly.
Last year, the City installed similar circles at Trinity Bellwoods Park, a popular location for many downtown residents, to ensure people could safely enjoy the park.
While there is currently a province-wide Stay-at-Home order in effect, the City of Toronto recognizes that many residents living in apartment buildings and condominiums who do not have yards need spaces to get exercise and fresh air in City parks.
“We know Trinity Bellwoods is a popular park so we’re proactively putting the circles in place this year to help make sure we’re encouraging people to be safe”, said Mayor John Tory, in a press release.
Jennifer McKelvie, city Councillor for Scarborough-Rouge Park, and Chair of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee, refers in the press release that city parks “continue to serve as a vital component for our overall health and wellbeing”. “This is why we are taking steps to ensure people can safely enjoy these spaces, especially in areas where local park options may be limited”.
The message from Councillor Joe Cressy (Ward 10 Spadina-Fort York) is not much different: “by wearing masks and distancing, people can enjoy our parks and recreational amenities without putting others at risk”.
Cressy, who serves as Chair of the Toronto Board of Health, adds that circles at Trinity Bellwoods will help visitors “enjoy the park while staying apart and protecting one another”.
The Stay-at-Home order is intended to save lives and protect the healthcare system. Everyone in the city should be staying home except for essential reasons such as going out for groceries, exercise, medical appointments, essential work or getting a vaccine. ■
