The pool at Parkinson Recreation Centre reopens this week

Many Kelowna residents will be happy to know that another one of the city’s pools is set to reopen.

The pool at Parkinson Recreation Centre, which has been closed for months due to COVID-19, will reopen to members on Wednesday.

Things will be a little different, however, as people will have to pre-book a 45-minute time slot if they want to swim.

“We’re really looking forward to having the pool back up and running,” said Mariko Siggers, City of Kelowna. “As with the fitness centre, members will need to book a time in advance to ensure that proper physical distancing can occur.”

The pool will be open between 6 am and 6 pm on Mondays, Wednesday and Friday, between 8 am and 6 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and between 8 am and 11:45 am on weekends.

Aquafit classes will also restart on Wednesday, but they will be by registration only and people can do so starting on Tuesday at 7 am.

For now, the steam room and hot tub remain closed at this time.

The following safety protocols and guidelines are in place at the Parkinson Recreation Centre’s pool due to the ongoing pandemic:

• The aquatics area will undergo frequent, enhanced cleaning including set cleaning hours of 10-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. on weekdays. During cleaning hours, the pools will be closed.
• Only the universal/all user changeroom will be available for use. Members are encouraged to arrive in swimsuits to avoid congestion and wait times. Lockers to store personal items will be available in the universal change room and fitness centre only. Belongings can also be stored at marked locations at the end of the large pool.
• Members are asked to shower before using the pool. Access to the showers at Parkinson Recreation Centre will be limited, so members are encouraged to shower at home before their swim time.
• Members will enter and exit different exterior doors on the pool deck.
• Some equipment (kick boards, pull buoys, jogging belts, etc.) will be available, but members are encouraged to bring their own if they have them.
• Floor markings and additional signage is posted on site reminding visitors to maintain distance and wash hands frequently.
• Anyone who is sick or experiencing symptoms is asked to stay home.