Where and how to play – A Prince Edward County Guide to Outdoor Recreation during Covid-19
We are living in challenging, unique, and frequently confusing, times. Health authorities are walking a fine line in order to protect the public from both the physical and mental health impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. This can lead to some seemingly mixed messages: non-essential trips outside the home are to be avoided, but fresh air and exercise – essential ingredients for healthy and happy humans – are encouraged.
Fortunately, access to our abundance of natural spaces is on the uptick as authorities implement the first phase of easing restrictions. The key to keeping this access and keeping healthy is accepting that – as it was put to me by Hastings & Prince Edward Public Health – “physical distancing will be the new normal”. So, enjoy! But please adhere to the current public health guidelines:
- Maintain a physical distance of at least 2 metres from other people who are not part of your household or chosen 10-person social circle.
- Gatherings of more than 10 people who are not members of the same household – even if properly distanced – are not permitted.
- Wear a cloth mask in situations where physical distancing is difficult, and wash hands / use hand sanitizer often.
I hope you find this guide to safely enjoying Prince Edward County’s outdoor spaces – and the resources listed at the end – helpful! It will be updated as the situation evolves and, as always, please let me know if I’ve missed anything. Finally, please remember to take precautions against ticks!
Municipal parks & playgrounds
Municipal parks & playgrounds in PEC (Source – The County)
- Permitted uses / open areas
- Playgrounds
- The Splash Pad in Picton
- Outdoor picnic sites, benches, and shelters
- Outdoor sports facilities and multi-use fields, including baseball diamonds, soccer fields, tennis/pickleball courts, Picton’s skatepark, and basketball courts
- Off-leash dog areas
Conservation Areas
Conservation areas in PEC (Source – PEC Parents – see Hiking/Walking section)
- Permitted uses / open areas
- All Quinte Conservation (QC) areas are open with one exception: as of July 31st, Little Bluff is closed until at least September 15th. Free parking at conservation areas has been extended until September 1st 2020.
- Prohibited uses / closed areas
- Washrooms, picnic areas, and boat launches at McFarland and Massassauga Point are closed. Little Bluff Conservation Area is closed.
Provincial parks
Provincial parks in PEC are Sandbanks, North Beach, and Lake on the Mountain
- Permitted uses / open areas
- Most beaches, including Outlet Beach and Dunes Beach at Sandbanks PP and the beach at North Beach PP
- Self-guided activities such as walking, hiking, biking, boating, paddling and fishing
- Boat launches
- Please check the Sandbanks Provincial Park site for details about other open amenities, including washrooms, Currah’s Convenience, and campgrounds.
Wellington Beach
Wellington Beach, as well as Beach Street and the parking area, are open. It does have limited capacity and will close when full. On-site parking is $20 per vehicle. Groups of 10 people or fewer are allowed to congregate on the beach, while physically distancing from non-household members. Groups must maintain a physical distance of 2 metres/6 feet from other groups at all times.
Other “green spaces”
Includes trails (e.g. Millennium Trail), shoreline, and boardwalk areas (Source – The County)
- Permitted uses/areas
- “Walkthrough access” is permitted provided that individuals remain at least two metres from non-household members. A County representative confirmed that in this context, the word “walk” can be interpreted as a catch-all for any mode of transportation – e.g. jogging, biking, etc. – that is normally permitted through that particular space.
Municipal boat launches & marinas
Municipal boat launches and marinas (Source – The County)
All municipal boat launches are open, but the boat launch at the end of Beach Street in Wellington is reserved solely for launching personal watercraft during the 2020 boating season. Picton Marina & Harbour is open with limited service and Wellington Marina is closed – see details here.
—–
Resources
- Tips from Outdoor Play Canada and the U.S.’ National Recreation and Park Association for navigating outdoor recreation and physical distancing with kids
- Ideas for motivating kids on the hiking trail!
- PEC Parents Macaulay Mountain Scavenger Hunt
- The County’s Covid-19 page
- Quinte Conservation Covid-19 updates
- Provincial Parks Covid-19 updates
- Stage 2 reopening framework from provincial government
- Boat launch rules
- Reminder (bottom of page) of permitted modes of transportation on Millennium Trail