Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons/ABZ Private School
June 25, 2020 - 12:50 PM
Vernon residents will soon have a place to go for a cool dip as the city will soon be opening some outdoor pools.
The Lakeview “Peanut” Pool and the Lavington Pool are scheduled to reopen, weather permitting, July 4, according to a City of Vernon media release. The popular Polson Park Spray Park will remain closed as the park is currently experiencing some flooding and has issues with high groundwater.
The city has also given the go-ahead and will be hosting children's summer camps.
The indoor pool and all other indoor recreation facilities will remain closed.
For those keen to get back on the ice, the Kal Tire Place North Arena is hoping to reopen July 9.
"Over the last several weeks, staff have worked diligently to develop risk mitigation plans to reintroduce recreation opportunities for our public and prepare to open facilities in accordance with provincial health guidelines," Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming said in the release.
"Thanks to the collective effort of everyone in our region – and across our province – we’ve heard the good news that B.C. is ready to transition into Phase 3 of the B.C. Restart Plan. In addition, we’re excited to announce we’re ready to activate our plans, open our outdoor pools and one arena, and host children’s summer camps, to help us stay active this summer."
The reopening of the pools and recreation facilities will now follow COVID-19 guidelines including reduced occupancy limits, physical distancing procedures, increased cleaning schedules and other changes.
"There is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to people through water in pools, hot tubs, spas, or water play areas. Proper operation and maintenance, including disinfection with chlorine and bromine, of these facilities, should inactivate the virus in the water," aquatics manager Gary Lefebvre said in the release. "We have reviewed hundreds of pages of documentation and recommendations to ensure we have the best plan for a safe reopening."
For more information and for facility reopening updates go here.
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