Parks & recreation in Shuswap area open, but running with a limit

Photo: CSRD

With the May long weekend approaching, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District is making some adjustments to their parks & recreation operations.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of CSRD parks, trails, beaches and boat launches did remain open. Playgrounds at all CSRD parks were closed however, and will remain closed until further notice.

Tennis, basketball and other multi-use courts are open, but only a limited number of users are allowed to adhere to social distancing. Vault toilets at all sites are now all open for use as well.

"Citizens are asked to be courteous to others and share the facilities appropriately," says Tracy Hughes, spokesperson for the CSRD. "Signage has been posted on-site to guide the use of these facilities."

Recreational spaces at Joyce Lake and Cedar Lake had previously been closed, but are now opening on Thursday, May 14 for day use only – no overnight camping is permitted. Yard Creek Campground in the Malawalka area will remain closed indefinitely.

"The water spray park at the Sorrento-Blind Bay Community Park is currently closed due to a Boil Water Notice for the Sorrento Water System issued on April 21," says Hughes. "It will open once Interior Health lifts the notice."

Guidelines for safe playground reopenings are expected to be released by the end of May, and the CSRD is waiting on that report before moving forward with any actions in that aspect.