Supplied by the City of Sault Ste. Marie…
Sault Ste. Marie, ON (2020 05 28) -The City of Sault Ste. Marie will open its soccer fields and ball diamonds on Friday, May 29. The fields will open for casual use only and not for team play. Users are reminded that groups under five can use the fields but must maintain physical distancing at all times.

“To protect the health of residents and employees, slowly reopening facilities using a phased approach helps to ensure there are appropriate safety measures in place and limit risks to public health,” says Malcolm White, CAO, City of Sault Ste. Marie.

Under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act the City’s playgrounds and indoor recreational facilities remain closed. Tennis courts, the off-leash dog park, pickleball courts, the disc golf course, Esposito Park pump track and the Queen Elizabeth Skateboard track are open. Citizens are reminded to refer to on-site signage, practice physical distancing and health and safety protocols.

“We continue to take guidance from the Province of Ontario as we move between phases. However, reopening may not align exactly with the Province’s phases. We may choose to move through the phases of reopening at a different speed than the Province based on our resources, what is best for our community and the advice from our local Medical Officer of Health,” adds White.

City staff and security companies monitor usage at all open facilities. If numbers get too large, an educational approach about physical distancing will be the first step taken. People are encouraged to continue to stay home, practice physical distancing and avoid social gatherings. For the latest updates on city services and facilities affected by COVID-19 visit saultstemarie.ca/COVID19. The City thanks citizens for their cooperation during this time.