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Skate park fencing, barricades, no-entry signs thrown into lake

There have been several issues since provincial orders shut down skate park; Orillia OPP plan to step up enforcement in the area

It appears Orillia's skateboarders are not in agreement with the temporary closure of the Kiwanis Skate Park.

On Tuesday, the snowfence erected to block off entrance to the concrete park, in addition to special signage and sawhorses, were removed and thrown into nearby Lake Couchiching.

It's not the first time individuals have taken exception to the closure that came into effect as part of the provincewide stay-at-home orders put in place earlier this month.

"City staff have had to replace the fencing, barricades, and signage at the Kiwanis Skate Park on a regular basis and we will continue to do so," said Jennifer Ruff, the city's emergency information officer. 

"As the closure of the skate park follows provincial direction in accordance with COVID-19 emergency measures and the stay-at-home order currently in place, we ask for the public’s cooperation and understanding in adhering to the restrictions," she said.

Const. Scott Williams of the Orillia OPP said the police force has not investigated a single complaint related to the skate park in the past year.

However, now that the issue has been brought to the OPP's attention, there will be a greater police presence at the waterfront facility.

"I will let the team know and we can step up our foot patrols in that area," Williams told OrilliaMatters. "It's one of those things: If we don't know about it, we can't really do anything ... but now that we know, we'll do what we can."

Ruff said "there have also been issues with the use of basketball nets at Clayt French Park." As a result, she said the nets will be removed. At most city parks, the nets have been taped off with black garbage bags.

"Municipal Law Enforcement Officers have also spoken with people using picnic tables in our park system," noted Ruff. 

Parks staff have turned picnic tables upside down so they can't be used, although use of park benches remains permitted.

Complaints about the skate park or other issues related to the stay-at-home order should be directed to the OPP non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122.