Mississauga closes playgrounds, courts and other outdoor spaces amid COVID-19 pandemic

After multiple videos and photos emerged of people congregating in parks and playgrounds over the weekend, the City of Mississauga has opted to close certain outdoor structures and places in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19. 

Effective today (March 23), all facilities within the city’s 500+ parks are closed to the public to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, including:

• Playgrounds
• Outdoor Fitness Equipment
• Sport Courts
• Leash-free Zones
• Picnic Shelters
• Skateboard Parks

“In an effort to reduce the further spread of this virus and encourage physical distancing, we have made the decision to close all facilities within parks such as playgrounds, sport pads, leash-free areas, and courts,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie in a statement.  

“I have seen and heard far too many instances of people socializing with friends and families at playgrounds and in our parks and not maintaining safe distances of two metres or more. Enough is enough. This week is absolutely critical in our efforts to contain the virus and flatten the curve in Mississauga. These additional measures are necessary and will help reduce the risk of transmission to those most vulnerable in our community.”

Signage at all city parks indicating these closures will be installed by the end of the week.

These closures are aligned with Peel Public Health’s strong direction to practice social distancing and avoid gatherings in public settings.

Peel Public Health says the best way to prevent illness is to stay home as often as possible (and always if feeling ill), stay two metres away from people outside of your household, wash your hands often (and use sanitizer if soap is not available), and avoid touching your face with unclean hands.