With the Provincial move to open recreational activities announced late yesterday, the City is preparing to open local fields and other outdoor amenities on Saturday. Work is currently underway to open the following:
- Soccer pitches
- Baseball diamonds
- Tennis courts and pickleball courts
- Basketball courts
- Skate parks
- Picnic areas, park shelters and outdoor exercise equipment
Under the orders in place, everyone who uses one of the amenities listed is required to maintain a physical distance of no less than 2 metres. As well, organized team play or practice is not permitted at this time.
City staff will be working as quickly as possible to ensure these amenities are open and available this weekend.
Playgrounds, parks, green space, trails and pathways remain open, as well as off-leash dog parks and park benches.
In addition to outdoor amenities, Thames Valley Golf Course and Fanshawe Golf Course will reopen, effective Saturday morning. Tee sheets will be available for booking as of noon today.
Summer program registration
The City is also preparing to resume recreation and aquatics programming at select community facilities, pools and arenas, as well as summer day camps when permitted.
Programs and summer day camps will follow all local health guidelines and Provincial regulations, to ensure the safety of participants and staff. Specific details about program modifications, restrictions and capacity limits will be shared once the Province has released guidance and information about all health precautions that will apply to these programs.
Recreation and aquatics programs
When permitted, select community facilities will gradually reopen over the summer with pre-registered modified recreation and aquatics programming.
Londoners of all ages can expect to see many of their favourite recreation programs offered this summer, including fitness classes, sports programs, and art classes. Aquatic programs, including recreational swims, aquafit and fit swims, will also be available.
Details about all recreation programs are available at london.ca/playyourway. Participants can register for drop-in programs one week in advance of the program start date.
Londoners can register for these programs online at london.ca/playyourway or by calling 519-661-5575. While the stay-at-home order remains in effect, the City encourages online or phone registration, however, in-person registration will be available at the City of London offices, second floor of 355 Wellington Street (Citi Plaza), Suite 248 on the following dates and times:
- Friday, May 21, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 26, 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Friday, May 28, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
For more information, please visit london.ca/recreation
Day camps
The City of London is offering a limited number of modified summer day camps at Storybook Gardens and select City facilities beginning Monday, July 5. Registration for summer day camps will open on Wednesday, May 26, at 8:30 a.m.
Day camp sessions begin Monday, July 5 for children ages 4 to12, along with a camp opportunity for youth ages 12 to 21 with special needs. Core program hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with assigned parent or guardian pick-up and drop-off times. Extended care beyond core camp hours will not be available this year.
Registration will be available starting Wednesday, May 26, at 8:30 a.m. online at london.ca/playyourway or by calling 519-661-5575. While the stay-at-home order remains in effect, online or by phone registration is strongly encouraged, however, in-person registration will be available at the City of London offices, second floor of 355 Wellington Street (Citi Plaza), Suite 248 on the following dates and times:
- Wednesday, May 26, 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Friday, May 28, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
The number of summer camps and camp spaces available this year will follow Provincial restrictions and local health guidelines. The City is encouraging parents and guardians that require day camps for child care to register early as spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
For more information about summer day camp locations, schedules and rules and regulations, visit london.ca/daycamps.
The City’s recreation facilities will have enhanced cleaning protocols and health screening measures once reopened. Masks or face coverings will be required in all our indoor public spaces but can be removed while swimming or exercising.
For further information and a list of current City of London services that have been impacted by COVID-19, please continue to visit our COVID-19 information page.