While city of Regina officials are continuing to encourage citizens to keep active while practicing physical distancing, the city has had to close some outdoor public spaces due to COVID-19 risks.

Crews will be working over the next few days to close off 165 city-owned playground structures after the city stated they are closed to the public indefinitely.

The order includes the closure of dog parks, skateboard parks, picnic sites, along with basketball, pickleball and tennis courts. However park spaces and pathways remain open.

“I know this will be hard for children that are looking for entertainment at this time, but there’s lots of touching that happens on those surfaces and this is a critical part to stop transmission,” said Regina Mayor Michael Fougere on Tuesday from city hall.

“These spaces present a concern and we need to shut them down immediately.”

He expects the spaces will be blocked off with tape and signage to signal that people should avoid those pieces of equipment and other areas.

“I hope people won’t take it to heart. It’s not because we want to be mean, it’s because we want to make sure we avoid places that can transmit the virus.”

Officials are reminding residents to keep a physical distance of at least two metres from other park users. Citizens are also asked to wash their hands and avoid shared surfaces such as benches and handrails.