‘Phase 1’ of Crestwood Rec Centre reopening set for Feb. 7

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on February 2, 2022.

https://www.medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

The Crestwood Rec Centre will reopen Feb.7, the city’s parks and recreation department has announced.

At first, lane swimming will be available on mornings only while a special $2 entry fee will be set in what’s called “Phase 1” of the facility’s reopening plan.

It will also be subject to the “restriction exemption program” that requires proof of vaccination status or recent negative COVID-19 test for entry.

“Staff have been working behind the scenes since December to get the facility up and running as quickly as possible,” said James Will, director of the parks and recreation.

“I want to thank the community for their feedback, patience and understanding over the last number of months. We are all very much looking forward to seeing our members and residents return to the facility.”

Last week, city officials said filling the pool and completing minor maintenance was well underway. The city is still advertising to hire lifeguards.

The facility has been closed since March 2020 when the first widespread COVID-19 restrictions were laid down, and has remained closed ever since as administrators weighed operating costs and the cost of compliance to health measures against demand.

In the spring of 2021, the department stated excess swimming capacity was still available at the Big Marble Go Centre, but council reversed its continued closure during debate on the 2022 city budget.

Passes will be for sale soon, and Go Centre passes will be honoured at Crestwood as well, a release states.