COVID-19 has resulted in many public spaces being closed to help stop the spread, but many Saskatchewan residents are heading to local parks to try and get some fresh air while social distancing.
According to a report from Google Mobility, people in Saskatchewan are heading to parks 45 percent more than usual, which is contrary to results showing Canadians as a whole, are visiting parks 16 percent less often.
Heading to the park to get some fresh air during times like these can help with your mental health says Monique Goffinet Miller the CEO of the Provincial Capital Commission.
“It’s important for physical and mental well-being, especially during these times of social distancing, that people have options to be outside,” said Miller.
While heading to the park is a good thing, there have been concerns of people being too close while commuting around Wascana Park.
Miller says that there have been signs encouraging social distancing for weeks, but now they are making Wascana Park’s main trail a one-way traffic path.
Starting Saturday, Wascana Centre visitors will now all have to move clockwise around the lake in effort to practice as much physical distancing as possible. There will be maps in all parking lots and directional arrows to remind people.
While the PCC has made the trail to be able to practice as much physical distancing as possible, it’s still up to people to follow the rules laid out by the province.
“We are asking every individual to be responsible and to be respectful to people’s physical distancing needs as well,” said Miller. “We’re all in this together and we’re trying to continue to flatten that curve, and fight COVID-19 together.”
Miller says that she understands some people won’t like the new one-way path, adding people can check out other trails within the 2,300-acre park.
“We are encouraging people, who are visiting the park, to go and find those open areas to engage with the park in a different way,” said Miller.
She adds that some of the other paths in the parks are ecological zones and bird sanctuaries and is asking people to be respectful.
The PCC will continue to monitor the ever-changing situation around COVID-19, and is asking for public feedback to be able to keep the park open for everyone to enjoy as long as possible.