A Windsor-Essex community has announced its plans to enter Stage 3 reopening after the COVID-19 shutdown.
The Town of Tecumseh has begun the process of reopening recreational facilities, as Windsor-Essex was permitted by the province of Ontario to move into Stage 3. Starting Wednesday, outdoor playground and exercise equipment will be open. Also on Wednesday, the Lakewood Park disc golf course will be modified with the baskets reinstalled, and the tennis and pickleball courts will allow doubles play within social circles.
Playground equipment is in the process of being prepped for public use, with tape and fencing being removed, and updated signage being installed. Residents are being asked not to visit playgrounds where crews are working, and if physical distancing in a park is not possible, the town recommends finding another park to play in or returning later.
The outdoor washroom facilities at Lacasse Park and Optimist Park will reopen on Friday, and they will be cleaned and sanitized at least once a day.
Tecumseh Arena has reopened for ice rentals, and reservations will be processed according to provincial guidelines. Community room rental space will once again be available at the St. Clair Beach Community Centre, and outdoor pavilions may be used.
The town's two splash pads, at St. Mary's Park and McAuliffe Park, reopened last month. The Tecumseh Leisure Pool in Lacasse Park, though, will stay closed.
Indoor gatherings of up to 50 people are once again allowed with social distancing in place and outdoor gatherings of up to 100 people.
Mayor Gary McNamara welcomed the opportunity to reopen facilities but reminded residents that COVID-19 will be a way of life for the foreseeable future.
"We are pleased to be moving into Phase Three of the provincial framework, however, I caution our residents and business owners that we must continue to be vigilant as the threat from COVID-19 is not over," said McNamara. "While we move into another safe transition between phases, I continue to encourage everyone to keep public health guidelines in mind for all of their activities whether it is taking the kids to the playground, going to the grocery store or visiting a local restaurant. We must continue to be vigilant."
Tecumseh Town Hall is open on a walk-in basis for payments and permit applications only, from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Ten people will be allowed in the lobby at one time and visitors are subject to screening. The town encourages people with the ability to conduct business by phone, mail, or online to continue doing so.
Services such as marriage licences, burial permits, urban hen applications, taxicab licences may be done in-person, but by appointment only. Call (519) 735-2184 to schedule a time and day.
Complete information on Tecumseh's Stage Three procedures can be found on the town's official website.
