The aquatic centre at Powell River Recreation Complex has reopened. Since its closure in March, aesthetic and mechanical changes have been made, according to a media release from City of Powell River.
“The reopening of our aquatic centre has been long anticipated,” stated manager of recreation Neil Pukesh. “Prior to the closure, due to the pandemic we discovered some mechanical and engineering issues that had to be dealt with, so we took this time as an opportunity to resolve them to ensure that they met updated health regulation requirements.”
The reopening includes several enhanced safety and cleaning protocols, including reduced maximum capacities on swims and buffers between swim periods in alignment with new policies and procedures, the city stated in the release. All swim sessions such as lap lanes, leisure swim, family and all-welcome swims will be registered up to one week in advance online, in person or by phone. Customers with active memberships will need to register by phone. Registration is now open and all sessions are viewable at powellriverprc.ca.
“The way we will be operating will be quite different from what everyone has been used to as a result of new COVID protocols,” stated aquatic program supervisor Tami Wood. “Entry will be through the main viewing doors and we’re asking participants to arrive swim ready, which is a bathing suit on under clothes. People should also limit the number of personal items being brought into the facility as locker and dressing room use will be very limited.”
Other changes to operations include the creation of double-wide swim lanes that can accommodate up to four persons in each, a one hour time limit on all lane and leisure swims, a mandatory cleansing shower prior to swimming and capacity limits of 36 patrons per swim. The sauna will remain closed until further notice.
“This has been a long time coming and we’re excited to see many of our regular users back in the pool as many have told us how much they’ve missed it and the health benefits that it provides,” stated Pukesh. “Right now, we’re taking a phased approach to the operations and will be adding more programming, such as group, private and children’s swim lessons in the new year.”
For more information on schedules, programs and registrations, go to powellriverprc.ca or call 604.485.2891.
