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First step launched to re-open Richmond's public amenities

Outdoor recreation facilities are the first to be re-opened as COVID-19 restrictions are eased.
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The Graduates defeated West Coast FC 3-1 in last month's Don Taylor Cup final. The RASA First Division sides meet again Friday in Provincial "B" Cup quarter-final play. Kickoff is 9 p.m. at Boyd.

Step one of re-opening Richmond public spaces started Wednesday morning with bike and skate parks, basketball, volleyball and tennis courts as well as some other outdoor recreation facilities open for use.

This doesn’t include, however, playgrounds – these will remain closed and behind caution tape for the time being.

City staff has developed a restart plan and released the first details on Wednesday.

While sports fields will be open, they are for recreational use only and organized sports won’t be allowed.

Indoor tennis courts could open on May 27, but not for organized competitions.

Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie called the plan a “cautious, step-by-step approach” to allow the community to access services in a “controlled, staged and responsible manner.”

“We know the past few months has brought uncertainty, frustration and even fear and that there is a desire to restore services and facilities to where they were before the pandemic,” he said.

The plan is in five steps, and the city will monitor the success of the first step to make sure people adhere to the rules and practice safe physical distancing guidelines.

Step two, which will come later, will include access to amenities like playgrounds and picnic tables and more players on courts.

Some outdoor recreation programs like Walk Richmond or outdoor fitness classes might be added.

Steps three to five include staggered reopening of recreation facilities, outdoor pools, arenas and some registered programs and services, but no timelines have been set.

The library also started curbside pickup and book returns on Wednesday at Brighouse Library with other branches coming on board over the next few days.

More information is available at www.richmond.ca/COVID-19.