Stay-at-home measures may be in place, but that doesn’t mean you have to be a couch potato. Nature trails, an outdoor skating rink and parks beckon and if you don’t feel like enjoying Mother Nature, virtual programs can keep you moving.
The York Regional Forest is home to 23 properties with more than 150 kilometres of trails available at no charge. Enjoy activities like walking, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and bird watching. Residents are encouraged to respect Ontario’s stay-at-home order and explore local parks and trails within walking distance of their homes, which can be found in the York Region Trail Guide.
The Greenwood Park outdoor rink is open (weather permitting). Skaters must wear a mask while waiting to get on the ice and while skating and must practise physical distancing rules with anyone outside their household. Capacity limits remain at 25 people per surface.
Whitchurch-Stouffville doesn’t have designated hills for tobogganing and doesn’t maintain any areas for winter activities, so you’re reminded to use hills at your own risk and to follow guidelines that include checking the hill to make sure it’s free of hazards like trees, rocks, fences and bumps.
Also, avoid icy areas, make sure there’s room at the bottom of the hill to safely stop, use proper sliding equipment and wear a helmet. Make sure your route is clear before sliding and only toboggan with members of your household. Tobogganers and anyone supervising them must each wear a mask and practise physical distancing.
Town trails, including those at the Stouffville Reservoir, parks and playgrounds are also open, weather permitting. Again, you’re reminded to follow safety and pandemic protocols.
The Leisure Centre is offering fitness, muscle conditioning, yoga, ‘Bollywood cardio’ and other virtual programs and the Library will continue to offer curbside service.
