August 10 2020
Vancouverites eager to return to indoor fitness and ice rink
activities will find new COVID-19 safety measures in place as select locations
are set to reopen in September.
The Vancouver Park Board, in partnership with local
community centre associations, will begin by reopening 12 fitness centres in
mid-September, with the 12 remaining locations reopening in a phased approach
later this fall.
Similarly, Kerrisdale, Sunset, and Trout Lake arenas are
scheduled to reopen September 21, with the remaining arenas aiming to reopen
the following month.
“Our facilities play an important role in supporting not
only the physical health of people in our community, but also their mental
well-being, particularly in challenging times such as these,” said Daisy Chin,
Director of Recreation for the Vancouver Park Board. “They also provide
low-barrier options which meet the needs of a wide range of residents of
various ages and abilities.”
Physical distancing and online reservation system
Fitness centres will reopen under new guidelines to promote
physical distancing. This includes introducing an online reservation system for
visitors, with 20% of spaces being reserved for onsite drop-in. Leisure Access
Program patrons will be provided a code to make reservations.
Initially, arenas will only be available for organized play
by permit holders. Plans to expand access to the general public are underway
and will be offered once the required health and safety precautions are in
place.
Fitness centres and arenas were voluntarily closed by the
Park Board in mid-March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since May, the Park Board has reopened golf courses,
VanDusen Botanical Garden, Bloedel Conservatory, tennis and pickleball courts,
pitch and putts, skate parks, sports fields, basketball and volleyball courts,
disc golf, roller hockey, multi-sport courts, playgrounds, spray parks, outdoor
pools, and other priority programs.
Indoor pools update
The Park Board continues to review the feasibility of
reopening other facilities and services and will make adjustments to its
operations based on the latest information provided by Vancouver Coastal
Health, the Provincial Health Officer, and industry partners.
In anticipation of federal and provincial funding support,
the Park Board has developed a phased safe-return plan for indoor pools, and
aims to provide a timeline in the coming weeks.
“Our teams have worked hard to come up with plans to deliver
the services we know Vancouverites value,” said Chin. “But we’re still
navigating the realities of this pandemic, including a reduction in expected
revenues. It's important that we take time to carefully consider the long-term
financial implications before committing to firm dates.”
For more information about the status of services and
facilities impacted by COVID-19, visit: vancouver.ca/park-board-restart.
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