Mapleton to reopen playgrounds, buildings to coincide with province’s reopening plan

MAPLETON – Playgrounds and facilities in Mapleton Township will reopen within days, four months after closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The township announced on July 14 that public playgrounds will reopen on July 17 to coincide with the start of stage three of the province’s reopening plan, which also includes reopening of restaurants (for indoor dining), movie theatres and gyms, among other businesses and amenities.

On July 20, Mapleton will open all township facilities, including the township administration office, PMD Arena in Drayton, Moorefield Community Centre, Alma Community Centre, and the Moorefield Optimist Hall.

Also on July 20, the township will accept bookings for ball diamonds, soccer fields, the Moorefield Community Centre and the PMD hall (for rentals at the Alma Community Centre or Moorefield Optimist Hall, residents can contact those groups directly).

Officials stressed that physical distancing requirements are still in effect and social gatherings are subject to provincial guidelines.

“We continue to praise the community of Mapleton on their cooperation and patience during such unprecedented times,” states the July 14 press release from the township.

Mapleton, which closed its facilities on March 16 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, is the first municipality in Wellington County to unveil its reopening plans.

The township office will at first open with reduced hours of 10am to 4pm, and facemasks are mandatory for all visitors.

Residents who experience COVID-19 symptoms or have concerns about possible exposure to the virus should not visit any township facilities, and instead visit the Ontario governments self-assessment tool at www.ontario.ca/coronavirus, contact Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006 (after hours call 1-877-884-8653) or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

For updates, residents can visit the township website or monitor its social media accounts.