People were out on the sports fields, tennis courts, golf links and the skate board park

By Denis Gibbons

May 23rd, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

A sprinkle of rain failed to prevent Burlingtonians from accessing outdoor sports facilities on Saturday, the first day the provincial government opened them up following the most recent lockdown.

Batter can see the ball – did he hit it?

Watching the angle carefully.

The surprising thing is that the artificial turf football field and soccer field at Norton Park on Dundas Street was padlocked, forcing teen soccer players to hop over the fence to practice.

A light warn up – before a game?

The splash pad at LaSalle Park also was not operating for some reason.

The starter at Millcroft Golf Club reported he had 300 tee times available and 248 of them were booked.

Recreational tennis and lessons took place at the Burlington Tennis Club on Drury Lane and there is still space available in summer camps.

The tennis courts were kept busy -opening up the sports facilities was a smart move.

President John Kemp said the club took advantage of the lockdown to install new lights on three of its courts and erect a new practice wall with a new ground surface.

The club’s first pickleball court should be ready by July 1 and all tennis courts are due to be resurfaced either in the fall or spring.

Golf courses were busy as well

At the elite Burlington Golf and Country Club, the Gazette’s roving photographer was asked to avoid taking a shot of a golfer teeing off because of a dress code violation.

It was not that the golfer was wearing shorts, rather his golf shirt was not tucked in.

What makes warm weather work for those who aren’t playing a sport?  The ice cream truck.

When the music plays every child knows what’s coming.