INNISFAIL – The town is stepping up COVID restriction awareness and enforcement at the Innisfail Skatepark as public feedback is suggesting there is troubling gathering non-compliance with social distancing guidelines.
Todd Becker, the town’s chief administrative officer, said peace officers and RCMP will be around the facility a lot more to talk to users about the importance of social distancing, mask wearing and other preventative measures when using and gathering at the popular recreational facility.
“I will give you some public feedback on that. It is a little bit of a concern of mine. We are likely going to be developing some community messaging regarding that. We need to work towards compliance,” said Becker, noting the facility is now open for use just like playgrounds but there remains an expectation of compliance to COVID gathering guidelines. “We are going to be doing a little bit more engagement and enforcement just on expectations, and go from there and adjust that operation or adjust the skatepark accordingly based on the cooperation of the patrons.
“Right now, from my perspective and (Emergency Coordination Centre) it is a concern at this given time,” he added. “But there is an expectation and signage. We know it is a gathering spot especially when schools are out but there has to be an effort by the patrons and the users to work towards compliance because it is gaining public attention.”
Becker said the town has also be talking about the operational status of Innisfail Splash Park, which is located behind the Innisfail Aquatic Centre and typically opens for the season around the May long weekend, which this year is from May 22 to 24. He said the town has confirmed that splash parks are a municipal recreational amenity that can be open but with certain restrictions.
“We are talking operationally what it will take to open up that amenity,” said Becker, adding there has been no date set yet. “Two things are happening, and one is operationally getting prepared for an opening of it, and the other side is watching the restrictions over the next couple of weeks.”
He said the town will know more about whether to open the facility closer to the Victoria Day long weekend.
“We are moving forward to prepare it for opening (but) we will monitor the restrictions as well,” concluded Becker.
