**** HRM Media Release
Response to COVID-19: Update to municipal fitness centres, beaches, splashpads and the Emera Oval
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:
Fitness Centres
Following safety measures provided by public health, fitness centres at the following municipal facilities will open on Monday, July 6, 2020:
- Captain William Spry Community Centre
- Sackville Sports Stadium
- Musquodoboit 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 members of those facilities are being given access to the three reopened centres listed above.
To keep patrons and staff safe, and to optimize access for as many patrons as possible, access to the fitness centre or attendance to a fitness class will be available by appointment only. Appointments may be booked over the phone or online through halifax.ca/myREC
Clients who had an active membership in March (and did not cancel their membership) will be able to pre-select their appointment times up to seven days in advance. Clients who did not have an active membership will be able to pre-book their appointments up to three days in advance. Access times vary dependent on location and activity. Please visit halifax.ca/myREC or contact the centres directly for more details. Please note that phone lines are closed until July 4.
More details regarding each facility and their respective access will be distributed via email to members with an email address on file.
Municipal partner recreation facilities (i.e. Canada Games Centre, Cole Harbour Place, Halifax Forum, St. Margaret’s Centre, RBC Centre, Zatzman Sportsplex, etc.) are beginning to reopen to clients over the coming weeks. Please contact each facility directly for information about their opening dates and new procedures.
Beaches, Pools and Splashpads
Lifeguards will be stationed at municipal beaches beginning July 6 to August 31. All municipal lifeguards hold National Lifeguard Service certification and are equipped with a variety of emergency supplies to help with first aid and water rescues. Residents are reminded to always use caution when in or on the water. For more information, visit halifax.ca/summeraquatics
The following splashpads will reopen on Monday, June 29:
- Halifax Common
- Sackville (Kinsmen)
- George Dixon Centre
- Isleville Street
- Westmount
Due to construction in the area, the Bayers-Westwood splashpad is anticipated to open in mid-July.
At this time, all municipal pools will remain closed until further notice. If public health restrictions change, staff will review provincial guidelines and explore the possibility of reopening these facilities.
Emera Oval
Public washrooms and first aid at the Emera Oval pavilion will be opening on Monday, July 6. The facility will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday, and noon to 9 p.m. on weekends. Rentals will not be available until further notice; however residents are welcome to use the Emera Oval for cycling and rollerblading with their own equipment.
For more information on municipal services during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit halifax.ca/coronavirus.
