VANCOUVER -- The cities of Port Moody, Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam are now allowing the limited use of some outdoor amenities to give residents more places to exercise outside.

In Port Moody, this applies to all sports fields owned by the city or jointly owned with its school district, with some exceptions, the city announced Tuesday. The city's sports fields had been closed since March 22 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Playgrounds, basketball courts, skate parks and bike parks remain closed until further notice, and the grass baseball field at North Shore Community Park is closed for turf maintenance.

"Access to the outdoors is absolutely essential, especially during extended periods of staying indoors," Port Moody Mayor Rob Vagramov said in a news release, who added that the fields are still not open yet for organized sports or large gatherings.

Bookings for field rentals are still suspended and washrooms are also closed until further notice. Instead, Vagramov encouraged residents to use the spaces for activities like walking, running, frisbee, or relaxing outdoors, while practising social distancing.

"The return to life without restrictions depends on us," he said. "The deal is simple: keep your distance from other humans, and we will be able to keep your parks and rec assets open."

Port Coquitlam announced Thursday it was also opening some of its outdoor amenities.

"The city is reopening tennis and basketball courts, lacrosse boxes, leash optional dog parks and bike skills and skate parks for activities where physical distancing can be maintained," the city said in an emailed statement. 

Dog parks, outdoor tennis courts, skate parks, outdoor table games and park washrooms will also be reopening on May 9 in the City of Coquitlam.

“The city decided to reopen the amenities this week following encouraging reports from the PHO (public health officer) and indications that the public now better understands the public health measures needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” the city said in a statement released Thursday.

Washrooms will be cleaned twice a day with additional spot cleaning done on touch points like door and faucet handles. Amenities will be monitored by the city’s “park hosts” to ensure people are observing proper safety precautions such as physical distancing, avoiding large groups, and limiting time if it’s busy.

All provincial parks have been closed since April 8 in response to the pandemic, but the province announced on Wednesday that the majority of them would be reopening on May 14 for day-use only.

On May 1, VanDusen Botanical Garden and two city-run golf courses reopened to the public in Vancouver. All three sites had been closed since mid-March and have new physical distancing measures in place. Visitors to VanDusen need to book entry tickets in advance and only 30 visitors will be allowed inside every 30 minutes. The City of Vancouver announced on Thursday Langara Golf Course would be reopening next Friday in time for the May long weekend.