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Midland not following Tiny's lead on the beach front

Amenities that have opened are subject to strict social-distancing protocols, town spokesman says
2020-06-03 ap
Repairs need to be completed before Little Lake Park's tennis courts will reopen. Andrew Philips/MidlandToday

While Tiny Township announced the next phase of its reopening to allow recreational beach use starting Friday, Midland is taking more tentative steps.

“As always the safety of the public and our staff is our guiding principle as we consider any openings,” said Randy Fee, the town’s communications and marketing coordinator.

While some Midland amenities such as the disc-golf course and rowing club have opened, beaches at Gawley, Pettersen and Little Lake Parks will remain closed until further notice.

“When the beaches are open, users will want access to public washrooms, which are currently also closed. We are currently working on rules and staffing plans to allow for that.”

Fee said the town has also been in touch with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit regarding their water testing program that ensures that beaches are safe for swimming and “hope to have an announcement soon on the status of our beaches.”

Tiny, meanwhile, announced that while its beaches would again be open to allow “sitting/laying on the beach, swimming, fishing from shore, paddle boarding, kayaking, etc.,” its playgrounds on beaches and in parks remain closed. The township is also restricting parking to permits only, thereby taking away the meter-paid parking option. (Midland does not charge for parking).

As for Midland, Fee said that some facilities that have opened like the pickleball courts in Tiffin Park are subject to strict social-distancing measures.

“All clubs that make use of the town’s outdoor amenities have provided us with protocols for how they’re ensuring they comply with COVID-19 safety measures and are aware that they could face fines should they not comply,” he said.

“Signage has also been posted so individuals using the amenities are aware of the safety measures they need to comply with and that they will be enforced by by-law and the OPP.”

As for the town’s main tennis courts at Little Lake Park, Fee said the opening has been delayed because the four courts need repairs.

“Material to complete the repairs has been ordered, however once we have it, we will need two dry days of weather to complete the work,” he said.

“Hopefully within the next two weeks this will be completed and the courts will be open, however given the reliance on the weather cooperating, there are no guarantees.”

The town has also cancelled all sports camps at the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre for the summer.

While 50 children had registered for the camp along with 20 for the hockey camp, Fee said the COVID-19 restrictions currently in place would not allow for the camps to operate.

He added: “That, combined with some registrants already requesting refunds, led to the decision made with the camp instructors to cancel both camps for 2020.”


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Andrew Philips

About the Author: Andrew Philips

Editor Andrew Philips is a multiple award-winning journalist whose writing has appeared in some of the country’s most respected news outlets. Originally from Midland, Philips returned to the area from Québec City a decade ago.
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