The City of Red Deer will begin reopening some recreation facilities next week.
A “phased and gradual reopening” of indoor and outdoor recreation amenities was announced Thursday by Shelley Gagnon, the city’s recreation, parks and culture manager.
She said the roll out will begin with only a few facilities that will require pre-bookings and offer limited times, but will continue throughout the summer, as public health orders can be put into place.
“We are excited to welcome citizens back to our facilities, but opening them within the new provincial health guidelines and restrictions takes planning, and we have had to make significant adjustments to our operations,” said Gagnon.
“The experience will look and feel a little different for our residents when these amenities reopen.”
The tentative timeline, as posted on the city’s website, is:
June 24
* Community bookings open for sports fields and picnic shelters including Great Chief Park, Setters Place and Bower Ponds Stage. Lindsay Thurber track and field amenities will also be available for bookings.
Mid-July
* Collicutt Centre: Fitness areas, access to the track and use of the field house will be available for controlled, limited access. The pool will open, primarily for swimming lessons and public swimming.
* G.H. Dawe Community Centre: The pool will open for swimming lessons and public swimming. The gymnasium will open for controlled, limited access. Fitness areas will not open immediately.
* Michener Aquatic Centre: The pool will be available for controlled, limited lane swimming and some aquatic fitness.
The Recreation Centre will remain closed for the time being.
“We continue to assess and understand demand for facilities, programs and services as part of this phased approach to opening,” said Gagnon.
As previously announced, the outdoor pool will remain closed for the season.
But public washrooms in parks will be reopened soon. Gagnon said the city is waiting for required hand sanitizer and other equipment to arrive, and it’s expected next week.
“We are still assessing how we can safely open our spray parks, including Kin Canyon, Discovery Canyon and Blue Grass Sod Farm Central Spray and Play, while adhering to public health orders and restrictions,” added Gagnon.
“Currently, outdoor gatherings are limited to no more than 100 people, so we’re working to determine how to manage these restrictions while still providing access.”
She said swim lessons will be resuming over the next few months.
City staff are working with user groups and clubs to understand demand as they plan summer and fall programming.
The city will offer outdoor fitness programming in early July. More details will be provided in the coming days.
And registration is now open for modified summer day camps, which will be held in city facilities in July and August. Visit www.reddeer.ca/daycamps for more information.
In addition, many third-party-operated city facilities have been given permission to reopen within provincial health requirements and guidelines.