Diezel Tkach decides whether to run through the water at Kiwanis Central Park in this May 2019 file photo. Splash parks around the city will open up next Friday.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
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Kids will be able to splash around next Friday when water starts pouring down at all four Medicine Hat spray parks.
The city usually opens two spray parks during May long weekend and opens the other two a week later. However, Scott Richter, business and innovation manager with the city’s parks and recreation department, says they are opening all four at once in case the weather is nice and to allow Hatters to spread out among the four parks.
Water will be pouring down at Kiwanis Central Park, Strathcona Island Park, Ross Glen Towne Centre and Saamis Rotary Park on Friday, but Richter says all COVID-19 guidelines will still need to be followed.
“There’s an emphasis on obeying the orders and guidelines, that’s probably the most important,” he said. “Keeping your distances, washing your hands and doing your best to prevent the spread.”
Bathrooms will be open at all locations, says Richter, but enhanced cleaning protocols will be in place. Spray parks had restrictions last year as well and Richter says guidelines were followed and facilities were constantly cleaned.
“We’ve enhanced our cleaning protocols, making sure we’re wiping buttons and washrooms there have increased frequency,” said Richter. “We post signs throughout the location to inform people that they should be paying attention to those guidelines and obeying any public health order that’s in place.”
Starting May 21, spray parks throughout the city will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
