NEWS RELEASE
THE TOWN OF NEWMARKET
*************************
The Town of Newmarket continues to take a gradual approach to re-opening its outdoor recreational amenities with caution. By June 5, the town will add all sports fields and ball diamonds to its list of open outdoor recreation amenities, which currently includes:
- All trails and open spaces
- Boardwalk along the Tom Taylor Trail (one-way traffic only)
- All tennis courts
- All pickleball courts
- Newmarket Dog Park
- Sports Fields (open by June 5)
- Artificial Turf Field at Dr. Denison Secondary School will remain closed as this field is managed in partnership with York Region District School Board, who have closed all their amenities. •
- Ball Diamonds (open by June 5)
- Whipper Watson Diamond and Fairgrounds Diamond will remain closed as these two diamonds are normally reserved for permit holders only. The Town is not issuing any permits at this time.
For a full list of what’s open and closed in Newmarket, please view the chart below.
Residents are reminded that open amenities are for recreational use only. The town is currently not issuing any permits to use these amenities. Organized sports, league play or any type of game play is not allowed.
The town is taking a more cautious approach to re-opening amenities to ensure these areas are safe for use, in addition to posting updated signage. Please follow the rules posted at each location and remember to:
- Stay at least 6ft. / 2m. away from people outside of your immediate household
- Follow the Province of Ontario’s emergency orders around social gatherings (no more than 5 people).
When using these outdoor recreation areas, please note that only required maintenance measures will be performed. Residents can expect to see services like grass cutting, forestry and horticulture work reduced. This is due to staff being redeployed to conduct other essential work and a reduced summer workforce. No additional summer staff, who normally assist in maintaining outdoor recreational amenities were hired this summer in order to responsibly align resources with the impacts of COVID-19. The town is asking residents to be patient as staff are working hard to re-open and continue to maintain over 45 active parks and open spaces and 800+ acres of parkland in the community.
Residents are reminded to take extra caution and use these outdoor recreational amenities at your own risk. High touch-points at these outdoor areas (gates, benches etc.) are not cleaned frequently. Remember to wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based sanitizer after use.
The town will continue to monitor the changing COVID-19 landscape, seek guidance from the Province of Ontario and assess each re-opening phase carefully with the health and safety of our community a top priority. Thank you for your patience as we work through each re-opening phase.
For the most up-to-date information on what’s open and closed, visit newmarket.ca/reopen or follow us on social media @TownofNewmarket on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
For more information on Newmarket news, related to COVID-19, visit newmarket.ca/COVID19
What’s open and closed in the Town of Newmarket
| Amenity* | Anticipated Re-opening Date* |
| All trails and open spaces in Newmarket | Open Activities such as having a picnic, playing catch, frisbee or kicking a soccer ball are allowed in open / green spaces as long as the following emergency orders are followed:
|
| Boardwalk at the Tom Taylor Trail | Opened as of May 22 to one-way traffic only. Entrance located at the south-end of the boardwalk near the Municipal Offices (395 Mulock Drive). Please adhere to the signage posted in the area. No passing is allowed on the boardwalk and cycling is not permitted. Learn more. |
| Global Pet Foods Dog Park presented by snapd (off-leash dog park) |
Opened as of May 22 Maximum Capacity Large Area: 20 Small Area 10 |
| Sports Fields** |
Open by June 5 Artificial Turf Field at Dr. Denison Secondary School will remain closed. Recreational use only. No game play allowed. No organized sport or league play. No permits will be issued. |
| Ball Diamonds** |
Opened by June 5 Whipper Watson Diamond and Fairgrounds Diamond will remain closed. No game play allowed. Recreational use only. No organized sport or league play. No permits will be issued. |
| Tennis Courts | All open as of May 29 Singles Tennis Only. Double permitted with players from the same household. Must adhered to social gathering rules set out by the Province of Ontario. Currently no more than five (5). Recreational use only. No organized sport or league play. No permits will be issued. |
| Pickleball Courts | Open as of May 29 Singles Play Only. Doubles permitted if playing with members of the same household. Must adhered to social gathering rules set out by the Province of Ontario. Currently no more than five (5). Recreational use only. No organized sport or league play. No permits will be issued. |
| Basketball Courts | Closed until further notice |
| Municipal Playgrounds | Closed until further notice due to the Province of Ontario’s Emergency Orders |
| Spray Pads | Closed until further notice due to the Province of Ontario’s Emergency Orders |
| Outdoor Water Feature | Closed until further notice due to the Province of Ontario’s Emergency Orders |
| Public Washrooms | Closed until further notice |
| Outdoor Fitness Equipment | Closed until further notice due to the Province of Ontario’s Emergency Orders |
| All Town of Newmarket Buildings and Facilities | Closed until further notice; Alternative services available. Learn more. |
| Newmarket Public Library | Closed until further notice; Online services and curb side pick-up available as of June 6. Learn more at newmarketpl.ca |
*Use is permitted as long as users practice safe physical distancing of at least 6ft. / 2m. away from others outside of their immediate household; dates may change due to weather and or unforeseen circumstances.
**Some amenities remain closed.
*************************
