GRCA To Close All Grand River Parks On Monday

Sunday, 22 March 2020 at 15:23

The GRCA says all Grand River Parks will be closed to visitors from March 23rd to April 6th, including day-use visitors and to people who hold membership passes.

OXFORD COUNTY - Starting tomorrow the Grand River Conservation Authority says all Grand River Parks will be closed to visitors until April 6th. This includes day-use visitors and to people who hold membership passes.

The GRCA released in a statement today that they've been following the COVID-19 pandemic closely and are continuing to take steps to ensure public safety and the well-being of staff and visitors.

Manager of Communications Lisa Stocco says they're asking people to respect the closures at this time.

“We are urging the community to respect the closures. With the gates closed, and limited staff, we are reminding the public that it will make it difficult for emergency services personnel to assist people within the parks in the event of an emergency. Anyone who chooses to ignore the closure is putting their own safety, and potentially the safety of others at risk.”

They say parks staff have seen an increase in visitors. And while many visitors have respected social distancing measures, their staff have reported concerns with some large groups of people, illegal parking and people entering areas that are marked as closed.

During this time no pedestrian traffic will be allowed within Grand River Parks and those who enter will be trespassing.

Municipal partners are being made aware of these closures. They say those who choose to ignore the closures and park outside of the parks on municipal roadways receive fines.

Some of our parks include dam infrastructure, which is vital to the safety of watershed residents. The dams operated and inspected by many of the parks staff daily, and it is essential that they're able to continue to do so without impediment or risking their health and safety.

The GRCA will continue to monitor developments as well as provincial and local public health recommendations and consider by April 6th or as needed.

You can visit here for updates on GRCA programs and services affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.