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Trails stay open

Residents encouraged to walk, run or cycle in their own neighbourhoods

Apr 9, 2020 | 2:34 PM

Local politicians have decided to keep RDNO trails and natural spaces open in Greater Vernon during the pandemic, but with some advice.

The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee discussed the accessibility of recreation facilities, like the Okanagan Rail Trail, at its meeting Wednesday, and while agreeing to keep them open, they’re also encouraging residents to enjoy the parks and trails in their own neighborhoods, or the ones that are less popular.

“The best choice is for residents to walk, run or cycle in their own neighbourhoods,” said Akbal Mund, chair of GVAC. “We have a large network of trails in the Greater Vernon area. Instead of visiting the busiest trails, like the Okanagan Rail Trail, we encourage you to discover something new, and that is preferably in your neighbourhood.”

The Greater Vernon Athletic Park was closed earlier, but there are concerns large groups of people have still been gathering at the facility next to Okanagan College.

As a result of that, fences and closures signs have been placed at the park to further enforce the closure.

“We all absolutely must maintain physical distancing while using our parks and trails. Our decision to keep them open to the public does not mean we are not prepared to close them if people are clearly and consistently violating these measures,” said Mund. “When people violate physical distancing, they are putting their lives and the lives of people around them in danger. We take the health and safety of our residents very seriously.”

The parks and trails affected by these decisions include:

· RDNO owned section of the Okanagan Rail Trail (still under erosion work on weekdays);

· Grey Canal Trail

· Kal Crystal Waters Trail

· Middleton Mountain Trail

· Swan Lake Nature Reserve

· BX Creek Trail.

With the plea for people to walk and exercise in their own neighbourhoods, the RDNO is reminding drivers to be extra vigilant with the added pedestrians and cyclists sharing the roadways.

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