Local residents like Kerry Volk were out and about as the Rotary Skate Park opened Friday, along with playgrounds. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW)

By Josh Ryan

back on the rails

Skate Park, playgrounds open as restrictions ease

Jun 13, 2020 | 11:00 AM

Residents in the Battlefords wasted little time in getting outside to enjoy newly reopened areas of the community.

The province recently announced playgrounds are open for the public to enjoy again, provided people continue to take precautions against transmission of COVID-19. This includes outdoor basketball courts and the Rotary Skate Park.

Kerry Volk, a local skateboarder, said he was excited after waiting for the city to clean off the shale and gravel this week, which had kept people from using the park for the past two months.

“This would be my first day on the board this summer,” Volk said.

Russia-Ukraine War

In a first, President Biden gives green light for Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles in Russia

17h ago

Helping hand

Big red sleigh brings holiday spirit to kick off Battlefords Empty Stocking Fund

Nov 16, 2024

Battlefords North Stars

Big performance from Maric ends Red Wings win streak

Nov 16, 2024

This coincides with the first wave of warmer weather in 2020 for the region. Despite strong winds, Volk said it’s a great start to the summer.

“Fresh tracks, it’s not plus 30,” he said. “It’s great, I’m excited to be out here.”

Playgrounds were utilized throughout the day, with families taking turns in enjoying their time on the slides and bars. Battleford resident Stephen Roberts said his family has been looking forward to playing on playground structures for a while.

“We’re actually enjoying summer now.”

Back in the swing of things. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW)

Roberts said his two daughters have been anxious to move past playing in the yard this spring and spending plenty of time looking at screens. Once they had the chance, it didn’t take long to have fun.

“Looks like they’re doing some acrobatics right now,” he said watching the two hang on the bars, “Which they can’t do at home [of course].”

Getting to play at the playground isn’t just good for the kids. Roberts said it’s good for the family to have a little more space than what they’ve been used to during the pandemic.

“I can take them out separately, gives my wife some time to get a lot of her stuff done.”

—

josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

@JoshRyanSports