Vancouver Park Board to reopen fitness centres and ice rinks in September

A number of indoor fitness centres and ice rinks are scheduled to reopen in September, the Vancouver Park Board (VPB) announced on Monday.

The VPB said in a statement that 12 fitness centres will open in mid-September, with the remaining 12 locations to reopen through a phased approach throughout the remainder of the fall. It has yet to be announced, however, which locations during the initial restart.

Naturally, fitness centres will reopen with a number of guidelines to promote social distancing. An online reservation system is being introduced for users, although 20% of capacity will remain reserved for onsite drop-in.

• See also: 
  • BC health officials report 131 new coronavirus cases since Friday
  • Surrey boy’s family raises enough money for lifesaving treatment
  • Canadian government matching donations to Lebanon

Several ice rinks will also reopen next month, with Kerrisdale, Sunset, and Trout Lake arenas scheduled to open on September 21.

Arenas “will only be available for organized play by permit holders,” although access to the general public will be offered once proper health and safety measures are in effect. The remaining ice arenas are scheduled to open in October.

The Park Board also hints that a return plan for indoor pools could be announced in the coming weeks.

“Our teams have worked hard to come up with plans to deliver the services we know Vancouverites value,” says Daisy Chin, Director of Recreation.

“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.”