Editor:
Re: Burnaby park users showed why parks should be closed, NOW Opinion
I strongly support efforts to keep public parks open in Burnaby.
I know that having them open and available for a walk on a lovely sunny day is beneficial to our mental and physical health. We no longer have the option of going to the library or swimming or playing pickle ball or tennis. At the least the parks are open for a walk.
There have been some public comments in the Burnaby NOW urging the city to close the parks, from readers who recently saw "people congregating in groups."
Those groups were mostly families in the same household. That was certainly what I saw at Deer Lake and Burnaby Lake parks this weekend.
Being outdoors and having that two metres between you and others is healthy and beneficial. Here is the introductory paragraph from the page from the CDC website on “parks and recreation."
Staying physically active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy. In many areas, people can visit parks, trails and open spaces as a way to relieve stress, get some fresh air and vitamin D, stay active, and safely connect with others.
Know before you go: While these facilities and areas can offer health benefits, it is important that you follow the steps below to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
We are very fortunate that we don't live in New York or Italy or Spain. We have very few (relatively speaking) cases of COVID-19.
I note, however, that even Central Park in New York is open for walking with social distancing, though.
Let's keep the parks open.
Peter Kutney, Burnaby
