Staff at the Family Leisure Centre pressure wash the pool deck at city-owned facility on Monday after an annual maintenance program was moved up to be completed during a provincially mandated closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.--News photo Collin Gallant
A few skaters were back on the ice in Medicine Hat on Monday as city administrators reacted to weekend notice that some group activities on the rink and leisure facilities would be allowed as the reopening process began.
One-one-one fitness instruction, some private group bookings and rentals were previously announced, and the city has said it will gradually reopen swimming pools at the Leisure Centre. As in the spring, most will require pre-registration, and drop-ins are not allowed.
Administrators say they were encouraged to see the building opening up again.
“It allows us to do more things, which is good, because we want to get people through the door,” said Jeff Hoglund, recreation manager for the City of Medicine Hat.
School groups and some others were captured in easing measures announced on Saturday morning, leading to a return to on-ice practice and dry-land training for several school hockey academies in Medicine Hat.
Hockey Alberta announced it would cancel seasons last week, but talks are ongoing with local associations, figure skating and ringette groups about their potential needs, said Hoglund.
He also told the News that the ice has been removed from the Kinplex twin arenas, but following discussions about usage with user groups, ice will be maintained at the Hockey Hounds.
Co-op Place is also taking bookings, and plans are to hold a shortened Western Hockey League season at the large spectator rink.
The Moose Rec Centre has remained closed since the previous spring.
