Toronto reopens City run outdoor sport and multi-use fields
TORONTO, ON., JULY 6, 2020 — Toronto reopens outdoor sport and multi-use fields — Starting today, the City of Toronto’s outdoor sport and multi-use fields are open for team training, and permits will be issued to organizations for the remainder of the 2020 summer season.
There are almost 700 sport fields at more than 170 locations across Toronto. With the City of Toronto moving into Stage 2 of the provincial reopening, Parks, Forestry and Recreation staff have worked to quickly open many of the City’s outdoor recreation amenities including, but not limited to, fields that serve soccer, softball, lacrosse, baseball and cricket. All 170 outdoor sport and multi-use field locations will be open by tomorrow. Permits for outdoor sports facilities and multi-use fields will resume this week. Both the types of activities and the number of people allowed on the field will be restricted to further contain the spread of COVID-19.
“Recreation facilities within the City’s more than 1,500 parks have been closed to the public since March to help prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said Mayor John Tory. “Since that time, Torontonians have been dedicated in their efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19. As a result, Toronto has entered Stage 2 of the province’s reopening and will now be able to use more amenities found in city parks. I’m pleased that athletes will now have the opportunity to safely train and practice at Toronto’s outdoor fields this summer.”
It is however, important to note that in order to allow for physical distancing and comply with provincial orders restricting gatherings, the capacity at the City’s outdoor sport and multi-use fields will be significantly reduced to 10 people per field. That includes participants and coaches as well as parents and guardians, and no additional spectators are permitted. At this time, scrimmages and games are not permitted, even in the course of training or among teammates. Activities that are likely to result in individuals coming within two metres of each other must not be practised or played on the field.
City staff have been working closely with Toronto Public Health to ensure that people can train safely at the City’s outdoor sport and multi-use fields.
Even though the fields are now open, pavilions, clubhouses, change areas and lockers will not be available for use, under provincial orders. Players should use individual equipment wherever possible and permit holders should ensure that any provided equipment is cleaned between use. Permit holders are also required to maintain attendance records to facilitate Toronto Public Health contact tracing should it be required.
More information about recreation in the city is available at toronto.ca/rec. Information about booking and permits for outdoor recreation facilities is available at toronto.ca/services-payments/venues-facilities-bookings/booking-park-recreation-facilities/.
