Saskatoon getting 2 outdoor pools, sports fields ready to reopen
Spray pads targeted to open June 26, sport field rentals ready by July 1
As part of the province's Phase 4 reopening plan, the City of Saskatoon is getting ready to re-open more of its sports and recreation facilities.
Starting June 22, the provincial government is allowing outdoor pools and sports to open after the COVID-19 pandemic was announced. However, not all facilities will be immediately available.
"The City is pleased the provincial government has now announced an opening date for the first part of Phase Four of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan," said City of Saskatoon community services general manager Lynne Lacroix in a press release.
"Many of us are eager to get out to the ball diamond, the pool and spray park as soon as possible, but that will take a little extra time."
While free-of-charge sports fields will be allowed to open on June 22, baseball diamonds and multipurpose fields won't be open until July 1.
Spray pads have a targeted opening date of June 26, while Riversdale and George Ward outdoor pools are expected to open sometime in the first week of July.
The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo plans to open the first week in July and summer play programs and paddling pools are slated to get started in mid-July at the latest.
"There is a lot of work that has to be done to bring staff back on, train them in the new safety protocols tied to the public health orders and to make sure everyone stays healthy and safe – workers and patrons alike," said Lacroix.
Once Phase 4.2 of Re-open Saskatchewan is announced, the city plans on opening the Lakewood Civic Centre and Shaw Centre to the public. The opening date for Mayfair and Lathey outdoor pools is still to be determined.
Physical distancing and other health measures are expected to be followed when the facilities reopen.
Spray pads are expected to reopen June 22 in Regina.