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 will begin next week depending on weather conditions – the paint requires dry, sunny weather to cure properly.
The City installed similar circles at Trinity Bellwoods Park last year to ensure people could safely enjoy the park.
While there is currently a province-wide Stay-at-Home order in effect, the City 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. Trinity Bellwoods Park is a popular location for many downtown residents and the painted physical distancing circles will help keep people safe while using the park.
There are more than 1,500 parks in Toronto, and in order to avoid crowding, residents are encouraged to visit their local parks rather than travel to destination parks. If a park or amenity such as a playground is crowded, people should visit another park or return at another time.
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.
Quotes:
“We continue to work to give people safe outdoor places to get outside for fresh air and exercise during the pandemic. 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.”
– Mayor John Tory
“We know that opportunities to exercise and play outdoors are critical for our mental and physical health. As the spring season continues, we are focussing on making sure that Torontonians can get outside while staying safe. By wearing masks and distancing, people can enjoy our parks and recreational amenities without putting others at risk. These circles at Trinity Bellwoods will help visitors enjoy the park while also staying apart and protecting one another.”
– Councillor Joe Cressy (Ward 10 Spadina-Fort York), Chair of the Toronto Board of Health
“Our 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.”
– Councillor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park), Chair of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.