Hoop dreams will remain just that for some as school districts and municipalities take different approaches to reopening outdoor basketball courts amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Basketball hoops, often a staple of outdoor school grounds, are up and ready for dunking in the Sooke School District, but not in Saanich and Greater Victoria.
“Our playing field and basketball courts have remained open,” said Scott Stinson, superintendent of schools for the Sooke School District. “They were never shut down.”
However, playground structures will remain closed for the time being, he said. “We are working with local municipalities to ensure consistent messaging and timing.”
Dave Eberwein, superintendent of the Saanich School District, said it is taking a gradual approach to reopening.
“At this point in time we’re not opening up our basketball hoops or playgrounds until we go through school opening and make sure that we’ve got proper safety precautions in place,” he said. “We’re taking a thoughtful and slow approach to ensure everyone remains safe.”
As of Friday, basketball courts at Greater Victoria schools were closed.
Those wanting to shoot some hoops could head to Saanich, where the municipality opened 21 public sport courts — including basketball courts — on Thursday.
The Town of Sidney reopened some of its facilities on Thursday, including the municipal tennis courts, the Iroquois Park multi-sport court, the sand volleyball court, and the skate park.
The City of Victoria opened several facilities last week — including tennis and pickleball courts, sports fields, and skate and bike parks — but not basketball courts or playgrounds.
Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, said openings of play spaces on school grounds are being reviewed by public health officials.
“There’s still challenges,” Henry said in a briefing last week. “Some parts of the school playgrounds, absolutely, will be open because that’s a place where you can have outdoor learning and that will be really important.”
All municipalities are asking that people who use sports fields and courts do so safely by keeping two metres from others and washing their hands, and by not sharing snacks, refreshments, or equipment.
