A phased reopening of the fieldhouse at the Tournament Capital Centre is set to happen starting on Monday, June 1, with new regulations in place as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The city says the indoor track will be open on Monday, while the upper gym areas, the EZ Line fitness equipment, and the fieldhouse courts will continue to remain closed for now.
“Staff are working with multiple agencies, including the Office of the Provincial Health Officer, Interior Health, and the BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) to determine a safe reopening strategy,” said Linda Stride, the city’s Recreation, Health and Wellness Supervisor, who notes there will be a 180-person limit in the fieldhouse.
Annual members won’t be available at this time, however users of the TCC can pay $5 for a drop-in or buy a monthly pass. You’ll have to use debit or credit and cash will not be accepted.
The facility will be open Monday to Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m., and it will be expanded as restrictions are lifted.
There will be no access to change rooms or lockers, so people are being asked to leave their valuables at home and come ready to work out. As well, water fountains will be turned off, but the water bottle refill station will be open. People are being urged to bring their own bottles.
“We ask that you do not enter the TCC if you’re feeling ill, if you’ve been exposed to the COVID-19 virus, or you’ve travelled outside of the country recently,” Stride said. “Please practice physical distancing and good hygiene. Fencing and floor markings will delineate flow throughout the building.”
“Please be patient, be respectful to staff and other patrons, and abide by set time limits on equipment.
Sport Fields and Basketball Nets
Stride says the city is working with PacificSport and ViaSport on a strategy for reopening sports fields. Fields are open for unstructured play, but scrimmages and games are not permitted.
She adds nets on city courts will be reinstalled as soon as possible.
Community Halls, Pools, City Arenas, and Water Parks
Stride also says community halls, pools and arenas, and water parks will stay closed until further notice.
“We are working closely with the Province, the BCRPA, and the National Lifesaving Society to develop a plan to reopen the water parks and pools,” she said.
Added Mayor Ken Christian, “we recognize the importance of being able to provide recreation opportunities for our residents while ensuring the health and safety of our patrons and our staff. We look forward to being able to open additional facilities over the coming months.”
