Skateboarders paint lines at Beasley Park to keep their distance during COVID-19

Murals andspray paint cover much ofBeasley Skate Park, but this week some new lines with a practical purpose rather than an artistic one started to appear.

Thick, red bars now surround parts of the park where people typically congregate such asshady trees andbenches. They're there to protect people from COVID-19 and help stop the spread of the virus.

"If they can mark social distancing at the Beer Store and at the grocery store we thought 'Why not do a little bit here?'" explained Derek Lapierre, chairman of the Hamilton Skateboard Assembly (HSA).

Lapierre, nicknamed Old School for the vintage tricks he pulls off, said thegroup hosts takea week every year to "spruce up" the parkand fix cracks before it gets really busy.

But this time aroundthey used the paint they'd brought with them for something different.

Using a broom that was about six feet long they measured out and painted different sized spaces including a "VIP area," he jokes, so that"people can have a sense of the distance they need to be apart."

The HSA is already planning to add more around the halfpipeand other popular spots.

"There's lots of room," said Lapierre."It just helps to have a few guidelines, I think."

The city announced skate parks were open again as of Friday.

Anyone using the parks must stay at least two metres apart and is reminded to wash their hands regularly.

Many outdoor amenities still closed

Other recreational areas in Hamilton have slowly started to openup again too.

Golfers are able to hit the links,boat ramps are operating, dog parks are welcoming furry friends and tennis courts have reopened.

The city is also offering ideas online for how people can stay active at home.

But many activitiesremain closed, including spray pads and indoor and outdoor pools despite the heat wave.

The province has permitted some outdoor amenities to open up from outdoor sports fields to benches and shelters.

However, Hamilton's emergency operations centre is still reviewing what's required to safely start allowing people to use them again so they remain closed along with the escarpment stairs and drinking fountains.