Hatters could be splashing around by second week of July

By Medicine Hat News on June 20, 2020.

Medicine Hat’s two remaining splash parks will reopen on Saturday, while a tentative schedule released by the city parks department shows the public could return to two swimming pools and some fitness facilities by the second week of July.

Outdoor spray parks at Ross Glen Towne Centre and Saamis Rotary Park will be open to the public on Saturday morning, along with nearby washrooms, and washrooms in other high-traffic areas of city parks.

They join spray parks at Kiwanis Central Park and Strathcona Island Park, which reopened last weekend, after health officials in Edmonton removed restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Director of Emergency management with the city, Merrick Brown, also said the city plans to reopen the the Hill and Strathcona outdoor pools during the week of July 6 with modified hours and operations.

In the same time frame, the arena and fitness facilities at the Family Leisure Centre would become available for public use.

“Necessary measures need to be in place to ensure all public health guidelines are followed, including physical distancing, so it will look different,” said James Will, general manager of the parks and recreation department. “Our team is excited about the reopening and look forward to welcoming the community back.”

The remainder of the facility will be opened in stages over the final three weeks, including the Kinsmen Aquatic Centre, the main gymnasium and the field house.

Plans are still being developed for the Crestwood Recreation Centre and the swimming lake at Echodale Regional Park.

All patrons of city facilities and parks are asked to follow best hygiene practices, maintain six feet of separation from others, and adhere to isolation protocols if you are ill or show symptoms.

“Everyone needs to make responsible choices so that we can all enjoy these facilities,” said Will.