Vancouver announces opening dates for outdoor pools and spray parks
COVID-19 disclaimer: As recommended by BC’s provincial health officer, if you choose to take part in recreational activities in public spaces please adhere to coronavirus health safety measures, including proper physical distancing, wearing a mask, and remaining at home if you show symptoms of cold or flu.
Outdoor pools and spray parks across Vancouver will be reopening over the next several weeks.
On Monday morning, the Vancouver Park Board (VPB) announced opening dates for four outdoor pools and 10 spray parks.
The following spray parks will open to the public on Saturday, June 27:
- MacLean Park
- Chaldecott Park
- Harbour Green Park
- Hastings Park
- Oak Park
- Stanley Park
- Prince Edward Park
- Pandora Park
- Garden Park
The outdoor pools at Kitsilano, New Brighton Park, and Second Beach are scheduled to open on Monday, July 13 and will operate for eight weeks. The VPB notes that the Maple Grove pool is scheduled to open as well but may be slightly delayed due to issues with the online booking system.
A number of health and safety measures have also been introduced, in alignment with Lifesaving Society Canada guidelines and WorkSafe BC. Pools will be used for a combination of lap swimming sessions and public swim sessions. Lanes will be made wider for length swimming, and lifeguards will wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while on duty.
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Visitors will be required to arrive at the pools ready to swim, as change rooms will remain closed for the time being. Physical distancing protocols will also be in place at entrances and exits, although washrooms will be open for use.
Swimmers can book blocks between 45 and 90 minutes. A 30-minute buffer will take place between all appointments in order to sanitize facilities and to prepare for the next group.
Admission to pools will be managed through online reservations and in-person drop-ins, and all pools will reopen with reduced capacity. The VPB notes that snorkels and kickboards will not be permitted; neither will rentals of swimming goggles or towels.
Nine beaches in Vancouver will also be staffed with lifeguards starting July 13:
- English Bay
- Jericho Beach
- Kitsilano Beach
- Locarno Beach
- Spanish Banks East and West
- Sunset Beach
- Third Beach
- Trout Lake
Swimming zones at beaches will be marked with red and yellow flags. Areas will be supervised and patrolled by lifeguards every day until September 7, from 11:30 am to 8:30 pm.
Physical distancing while also be enforced and while washrooms will remain open, change rooms will be closed.
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