Most playgrounds in Jasper are still closed, and the Municipality does not have a reopening date yet.
But [updated] the Grande Yellowhead Public School Division announced on today (May 22) that school playgrounds have opened for public use - as long as people practice physical distancing and adhere to safety guidelines posted onside.
The latest Jasper Emergency Coordination Centre update, published , says the team is reviewing provincial directives and working with municipal staff to get playgrounds open as safely as possible.
Playgrounds had permission to open from the province from May 14, as part of Stage 1 of the relaunch strategy.
But it is up to municipalities to determine on cleanliness and monitoring - and make sure playground inspections are conducted regularly.
The ECC update said the municipality is also looking at the possibility of reopening the tennis courts at the Jasper Activity Centre and the skate park.
But for now, they remain closed.
"We will provide further updates when the Municipality has a plan in place. In the meantime, we hope families will find other ways to enjoy the outdoors," said the update.
ECC transitioning into recovery
Jasper's Emergency Coordination Centre is switching from a response mode into a recovery mode.
The ECC, facilitates collaboration and information sharing specific to an incident or crisis, was partially activated on March 12.
During a major community emergency, trained municipal staff working under the Incident Command System (ICS) structure, activate the appropriate plans and assemble the Municipal ECC.
In the case of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the ECC was operating a virtually through an internet-based video meeting platform.
Now, the team is now meeting twice a week for brief meetings rather than four times a week.
And Emergency Social Services, a branch under the municipal ECC, has been deactivated 鈥� a typical first step as ECCs move into recovery mode according to the May 22 update.
All ESS services, like the community information and referral line, are now being managed by staff in the Community and Family Services Department as a part of everyday duties.
"The safety of our residents and staff has always been our number one priority," said the update.
"We appreciate your kindness and patience as we figure out a recovery that works for Jasper."
