THUNDER BAY - The sights and sounds of children playing will return to parks around Thunder Bay for the first time in several months, as the city begins reopening some playgrounds Friday.
While it will be a welcome return to a measure of summer normalcy for many, some new rules will apply for those who use the play structures.
Users must maintain physical distancing of at least two metres with those outside their household and sanitize or wash their hands before entering the playground area. They're also instructed to avoid playgrounds if experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.
Ten playgrounds across the city were set to reopen Friday, as the Thunder Bay district officially entered Stage 3 in Ontario's reopening plan, which allowed the change along with a slew of others.
Playgrounds now open include Franklin, Vickers Park, West Thunder, Tarbutt, Green Acres, North End, County Park, Hillcrest, Boulevard, and the Marina.
More are set to follow the following week, the city said in a Friday evening release. Signage will be installed to indicate those playgrounds that are reopened, and to communicate COVID-19 rules of use.
