The City is once again closing its indoor recreation facilities following targeted public health restrictions implemented by the Province in light of the continued rise in COVID-19 cases and variants of concern.
The new, targeted restrictions apply to regions with at least 350 active cases per 100,000 people and a minimum of at least 250 active cases. With more than 700 active cases, Red Deer is experiencing its highest active case rate since the pandemic began and is required to follow the additional restrictions. These new restrictions, which include the cancellation of all indoor sport and fitness activities, will be in place for a minimum of two weeks, or until the case rate falls below the threshold, whichever is longer.
“COVID-19 continues to be a challenge for our community, one that we must work together to overcome,” says Allan Seabrooke, City Manager. “We can understand our community’s frustrations but it is our shared responsibility to do what we can to prevent the spread and pull through these difficult times, together.”
All indoor recreation centres will close as of 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 30 following the new restrictions announced yesterday. As a result, all Household Activity Reservations, private swim lessons, preschool programming and youth sport programming will be put on hold. Existing registrations have been cancelled and customers will see refunds or credits applied to their online Look ‘n Book accounts in the coming days. All those affected, will receive direct email and/or a personal call about their cancelled programming. Licensed preschool programming will continue as scheduled.
“We acknowledge that the community is missing recreation opportunities. While we cannot offer indoor activities, we are committed to offering as many recreation activities as possible while operating safely within the public health restrictions,” said Barb McKee, Recreation Superintendent. “In addition to our Virtual Fitness series, our Outdoor Fitness classes begin next week. We hope our community takes advantage of these and other opportunities for mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.”
The City will continue to offer a variety of recreation services under the new targeted restrictions:
- Starting May 4, outdoor fitness classes will be held at Setters Place at Great Chief Park. Activity Reservations are required for participation.
- Outdoor sport fields and courts remain available for training of up to 10 people, including coaches/trainers. Adult participation in these outdoor activities is now permitted. Physical distance of 2 meters must be maintained between each participant and each group of 10. Games, scrimmages or training in close contact are not permitted at this time.
- The Virtual Fitness program continues to offer customers a variety of classes in real-time with highly qualified, energetic instructors.
- The Pitch ‘n Putt course at Great Chief Park is now open with admission by donation.
- Picnic shelters can be booked for gatherings of up to 10 people physically distanced.
- Virtual arts and culture programs are also available online through Look n Book.
In the coming weeks, planning will take place for additional summer programming and ways to engage through City amenities. Stay tuned for more information regarding:
- Outdoor pool at the Recreation Centre for summer 2021
- Summer youth/child programming
Monthly Virtual Fitness passes can be purchased for $25, or customers can purchase a Value Pass for $27 and gain unlimited access to both virtual and outdoor fitness programming. Additional information about recreation programs and opportunities are available online at www.reddeer.ca/RecUpdate. Passes can be purchased online through Look ‘n Book at http://looknbook.reddeer.ca/.
More information on The City’s response to COVID-19 is available at reddeer.ca/COVID19.
For more information, please contact:
Corporate Communications