**** HRM Media Release

Response to COVID-19 – Pools, splash pads, beaches and recreation services update

The Halifax Regional Municipality continues to monitor and respond to the rapidly evolving impacts of COVID-19. The following is an update on municipal pools, splash pads, beaches and recreation services:

Indoor pools

The Captain William Spry and the Sackville Sports Stadium pools will open June 17
The Needham pool will open June 19as renovation work is ongoing

Outdoor pools

After being closed last summer, the Bedford outdoor pool will open July 1
Due to ongoing renovation work, the Cole Harbour outdoor pool and splash pad will delay opening until mid-July. For more information visit the website.
The Halifax Common Pool remains closed at this time. The pool is being assessed to determine the work required to be able to reopen. More information will follow.

Please note: Due to ongoing public health restrictions, swim times must be booked in advance for all indoor and outdoor pools at www.halifax.ca/myrec.

Splash pads

The following splash pads are now open:

Bayers-Westwood
George Dixon Centre
Isleville Street
Westmount
Sackville (Kinsman)

The Halifax Common splash pad will open July 1.

Aquatic Program Registration

Registration for aquatic programming will begin June 23 at 10 a.m. Programs will be offered at both indoor and outdoor pools. Swimming lessons will also be offered at supervised beaches across the municipality.

Residents can register by phone at 902-490-6666, in person at a municipality operated recreation centre or online beginning June 23.

Municipal beaches

Municipal beaches will be open for the summer season from July 1 to August 31.

Municipal staff regularly test the water quality for bacteria levels at all supervised municipal beaches, as well as one unsupervised beach (Malay Falls), during the summer months. Water quality testing will not take place at Black Rock, Dingle or Kinsmen or Government Wharf beaches.

Please note: There is currently a water advisory in effect for Grand Lake (including Oakfield Beach). Learn more here.

For more information on municipal beaches visit Halifax.ca/beaches.

Recreation services
Municipally operated recreation centres will reopen on Thursday, June 17 with the following exceptions:

The Sheet Harbour Recreation Centre will reopen Monday, June 21
Emera Oval equipment lending will begin Monday, June 21
Rentals at municipally owned and operated recreation facilities, community centres, and arenas will resume regular hours on Thursday, June 17. Please call your local facility for more information.

Membership fees will automatically reactivate upon reopening. Drop-ins for fitness classes, fitness centre, pools, etc. will not be permitted. Residents must book appointments in advance, over the phone or online through halifax.ca/myrec. For more information or for specific program and service offerings, please contact your local recreation centre.

For opening dates and program registration for municipal partner recreation facilities, please contact those facilities directly.

Residents are reminded they may continue to use REC at Home which offers a variety of activities that you can enjoy with your family – from arts and crafts, to at-home workouts.

For more information on municipal services during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit halifax.ca/coronavirus.