Road to reopening recreation centres laid out for 2022

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on December 24, 2021.

https://www.medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

The wheels are in motion to reopen two recreation facilities in 2022 after city council approved new money to operate the Moose arena and Crestwood pool during budget deliberations this week, the city parks and recreation department announced Wednesday.

Both were closed along with all city rec facilities in the spring of 2020 under the heaviest health restrictions of the early pandemic. They stayed closed as demand remained low and administrators sought to cut down on costs this year.

This week, officials say they are planning for the reopening of the Crestwood pool and fitness centre in early 2022, while construction at the Moose will delay opening until the fall.

“Crestwood requires the start-up of mechanical systems, and staff need to ensure they’re in proper working condition before we begin filling the pool,” said James Will, head of the parks and recreation department. “We hope to reopen the facility as soon as possible, even if it means reduced hours to start.”

The city is now advertising to hire lifeguards for the facility, while administrators are preparing a construction tender for the Moose.

Work to replace the cooling lines and concrete slab at the arena on the Southwest Hill will likely take place over the summer toward reopening ahead of the fall hockey and skating activities.

Budget amendments to add $600,000 in operating funds for Crestwood and $300,000 for Moose will be paid for out of an operating reserve fund, meaning no effect on tax rates for 2023.

Construction, estimated to cost $1.2 million, would be covered from an capital infrastructure fund.