Outdoor Recreation Facilities to Close Following Discovery of Explosive Device

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary were present at the Wedgewood Park Recreation Centre this morning conducting an investigation into a suspicious package that was subsequently determined to be a homemade explosive device located on the tennis courts.

City staff, who discovered the device, followed all safety protocols and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary responded to the incident. The City was assured by the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary there was no danger to individuals inside the facility at any time and have complimented staff on their handling of this incident.

The City completes site safety checks of its outdoor recreation facilities each morning to ensure they are safe for program participants. The City is currently conducting a second site safety check of all outdoor and indoor recreation facilities as per the recommendation of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. As a result of the incident, all outdoor sport facilities will be closed for this evening and the City apologizes for any inconvenience.

The City reminds staff that if you ever come across any suspicious device or package, do not touch the device and immediately contact your supervisor and the police.

For further information:
Jennifer Mills
Communications Officer
City of St. John's
Phone: (709) 570-2037
Cell: (709) 690-7586
E-mail: jmills@stjohns.ca