**** HRM Media Release
Response to COVID-19: Update on pools, recreation facilities and events
The Halifax Regional Municipality continues to monitor and respond to the rapidly evolving effects of COVID-19.
The following is an update from Parks & Recreation.
Pools and Splashpads
The municipality will be reviewing the details of today’s announcement by the province regarding further lifting of public health restrictions. Staff will be reviewing these new guidelines and establishing a phased plan for reopening that meets all public health requirements. At this time, all municipally operated pools will remain closed until further notice. More information on the potential reopening of pools, both indoor and outdoor, will be issued in the coming days.
Municipal partner recreation facilities (i.e. Canada Games Centre, Cole Harbour Place, Zatzman Sportsplex, etc.) have started the first phase of reopening. Please contact each facility directly for information about pool re-opening dates and protocols.
The following splashpads will reopen on Monday, June 29:
- Halifax Common
- George Dixon Centre
- Isleville Street
- Westmount
The Sackville (Kinsmen) splashpad is under repair and will be reopening July 6. Due to construction in the area, the Bayers-Westwood splashpad is anticipated to open in mid-July.
As a reminder, all municipal beaches are open and lifeguards will be onsite from July 6 to August 31.
Group sizes with sports, park facilities and events
With newly lifted restrictions on group sizes for gatherings, staff are reviewing current restrictions and assessing the impact for all facilities and programs.
July day camp registration is currently underway, and there will be no changes for these camps. Staff will assess whether it is possible to increase the number of spots for August day camps.
Group gathering public health restrictions outside of your group of 10 still apply to all sport fields, sport courts, ball diamonds and playgrounds. Physical distancing should continue to be maintained, and residents are reminded to follow all public health directives.
Fitness Centres at the following municipal facilities will open on Monday, July 6, 2020:
- Captain William Spry Community Centre
- Sackville Sports Stadium
- Musquodobit Harbour Recreation Centre
These locations were approved to open as they are the largest municipally-operated fitness facilities. All other fitness centres will remain closed until further notice, and staff will share reopening plans with the public once they are confirmed.
Residents are reminded that the Halifax and Dartmouth Canada Day celebrations will be a virtual celebration, and there will be no fireworks as part of this years’ festivities. For more information, visit hrmcanadaday.ca
Civic events staff are reviewing these new guidelines and will provide updates on future 2020 events.
For more information on municipal services during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit Halifax.ca/coronavirus.
