City of Nanaimo parks staff are readying sports fields and courts for reopening.
Outdoor amenities were closed March 16 to limit spread of COVID-19 and according to a city press release, sports fields opened Thursday and sports courts will open Monday, June 22.
Artificial turf fields and gated basketball courts, at Departure Bay Centennial Park, Beaufort Park and Linley Point Gyro Park, will be opened first, with other amenities following afterward. While volleyball and basketball courts are included in this round of reopenings, the basketball court at Maffeo Sutton Park is currently closed for construction and will reopen shortly, the press release said.
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City of Nanaimo indoor recreation facilities, including pools, arenas, the Harewood covered multi-use court, lacrosse boxes and city-owned cultural venues, will remain closed, said the press release, but city staff are working on a strategy to reopen.
People using sports facilities are asked to maintain social distancing of two metres, wash hands before and after coming to parks and avoid them altogether if sick or if a child is immunocompromised. People are also asked not share equipment, water bottles and personal items, not to congregate in groups larger than 50, not to play contact or competitive sports and only participate in drills, skills and modified training.
In other recreation news, Regional District of Nanaimo is preparing for the relaunch of in-person recreation programs and facility operations, according to a press release.
Beginning today, June 18, summer camp registration will be open online, at www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation, and by calling 250-248-3252.
To check the availability of camps, see an updated schedule here.
A total of 16 different camp options will be available, including full or partial day camps with a focus on free play or a specific sport or activity.
Camps will run in Qualicum Beach, Parksville and Nanoose between July 6 and September 4. Anyone previously registered for summer programs who wishes to cancel will be issued a refund or credit upon request.
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