Osoyoos Times Staff
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) announced Friday it is opening outdoor tennis, pickle ball and basketball courts within the regional district, as well as the skatepark at Keogan Sports Park in Okanagan Falls, and public washroom facilities.
Public playgrounds and indoor courts within the RDOS remain closed until further notice, and the regional district advised against non-essential travel, and that residents should continue to maintain their distance from one another.
On May 14, many BC Parks opened for day use but some park facilities such as washrooms, playgrounds and picnic shelters remain closed.
In a video shared on social media, BC Parks staff encourage park users to bring a “clean trip kit” (hand sanitizer, protective gloves and toilet paper) and to avoid travelling in large groups.
BC Parks is reminding park users to stay local to avoid overwhelming smaller communities.
“Many of our smaller communities and rural recreational lakes throughout the Regional District have been inundated with visitors which puts health care professionals, first responders and all citizens at risk,” said Karla Kozakevich, RDOS board chair. “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re asking visitors to continue following provincial health directives and temporarily avoid all non-essential travel.”
With the influx of visitors, any medical issues due to COVID-19 will also put small rural hospitals and health care facilities over capacity and unable to serve both visitors and residents, the RDOS said in a statement.
“Together, we can do our part to protect vulnerable people from COVID-19. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Please check the RDOS and municipal websites for the latest updates on parks, facilities and services.”
