City offers more family fun in Stage 3
RICHMOND HILL – Earlier this week, the Ontario Government announced that York Region, including the City of Richmond Hill, could move into Stage 3 of COVID-19 recovery on Friday, July 24, 2020.
Here are the top seven things residents need to know about Stage 3 in Richmond Hill:
1) Playgrounds are reopening by July 31
When provincial restrictions are lifted on July 24, the City will begin to reopen its 130 playgrounds, as well as all outdoor exercise equipment. All playgrounds and equipment are expected to be open by July 31. Residents should bring their own hand sanitizer as playgrounds and exercise equipment are not disinfected.
These are just two of the many park amenities available to residents to enjoy this summer, including splash pads, trails, tennis courts, skate parks and more!
2) Residents can enjoy a free drive-in concert series
The City is hosting three drive-in concerts in August which provide an opportunity for the community to come together to enjoy traditional Concerts in the Park events from the comfort of their vehicles and spend some quality family time in a physically distant environment. Concerts will take place in the Tom Graham Arena parking lot on the following dates and times:
- Thursday, August 13, 7- 8:15 p.m.– ABBA Mania
- Thursday, August 20, 7- 8:15 p.m.– British Legends
- Thursday, August 27, 7- 8:15 p.m.– Simply the Best
Tickets are free, but patrons must pre-register online and bring proof of pre-registration with them to gain access to the grounds. Tickets will be available online at www.rhcentre.ca as of 10 a.m. on Friday, July 24.
3) We’ve got exciting virtual and Park Adventure programs
The City is happy to provide a variety of recreation options to keep children active, engage their imaginations and unleash their creativity while at home or in a physically distant environment. Spaces are available in the following:
Virtual programming (until August 28) – Online programs for ages 4 to 14 include theatre, Junior LIT, art, dance, poetry and a parent/caregiver and child program. Participants will interact with instructors through Zoom, learn new skills and work towards a goal such as a virtual performance, art show, poetry session and more.
Phyllis Rawlinson Park Adventure Program (Tuesdays and Thursdays until August 27) – Recreation staff will lead participants through nature activities, as well as arts and crafts specifically designed for kids to have fun while maintaining physical distancing. Parents/caregivers will be required to stay on site and be available to help their child with the activities and/or personal care if needed.
Full details and registration information can be found at RichmondHill.ca/RecGuide.
4) Work to gradually open recreational facilities has begun
The City is working to safely reopen select facilities in August, including:
- Oak Ridges Community Centre fitness studio (weight room only)
- Centennial Pool for lane and leisure swims
Capacity will be limited and residents will be required to reserve their workout and/or swim times online prior to visiting the facilities. More details will be available closer to the opening dates.
In September, additional facilities are expected to reopen and the City is planning to offer drop-in recreation opportunities with a limited capacity. Online reservations will likely be required. Modified recreation programs are targeted to begin in the fall.
5) Offices are closed, but online and appointment-only services are available
The main Municipal Offices (225 East Beaver Creek Rd.) and Operations Centre (1200 Elgin Mills Rd. E.) remain closed to the public. However, the Access Richmond Hill contact centre is available to respond to general inquiries by email at access@richmondhill.ca or by phone at 905-771-8800, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Residents can also report a problem (e.g. missed garbage collection, streetlight out), and/or submit a general inquiry online at RichmondHill.ca/Access.
Residents can also access many other City services online, by phone or by appointment. Some examples include an online application for residential building permits; online permit process for residents to park for free at Lake Wilcox Park; scheduled appointments to process marriage licences; and an online screening review or phone appointments to dispute a by-law penalty notice.
6) Health and safety precautions are being put in place
The City is taking measures to protect staff and residents as facilities reopen and we thank everyone in advance for their cooperation. Visitors are asked not to attend a facility if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, have recently travelled internationally, or have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19.
At City facilities, visitors will be required to sign in for contact tracing purposes. Face masks or coverings are required in all enclosed public spaces (with some exceptions). Signage will be posted throughout facilities, including floor markers, to reinforce physical distancing and other health and safety guidelines. Plexiglas barriers have been installed at front counter service areas and hand sanitizer stations will be available at all entrances.
7) It’s easy to stay up-to-date
Residents can visit and subscribe to RichmondHill.ca/COVID19 or follow us on Twitter @myRichmondHill and Facebook for updates on City facilities and services.