Walk, don’t park at the park.

Because parking lots are now closed to deter visitors and promote physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

That’s the message from the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, which has extended its state of emergency until June 30, meaning all in-person events and gatherings are cancelled.

The green spaces at town-operated parks and area walking trails remain open, but all play structures and other outdoor recreational facilities are closed.

That includes playgrounds, sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, beaches, skateboard parks, picnic areas, outdoor community gardens, park shelters, outdoor exercise equipment, condo parks and gardens, and other outdoor recreational amenities are closed.

Town officials emphasized they really just want everyone to #StayHomeNOTL.

As well, the municipality has taken other steps:

* NOTL Transit will stop operating as of Thursday, April 9. Residents requiring assistance with grocery delivery and shopping support are encouraged to visit the town’s website, www.notl.org, to take advantage of the Community Assistance Program.

* Bylaw officers are working seven days a week and are authorized to ticket and fine people contravening any emergency orders. They already have done so.

* The Senior Citizen Strawberry Social, typically held in June, has been cancelled and the Step Challenge will be postponed until further notice.