Brennan Park Recreation Centre set for gradual reopening beginning September 8

The District of Squamish has announced plans for a phased reopening of Brennan Park Recreation Centre with new COVID-19 safety measures. Brennan Park Aquatic Centre is scheduled to reopen September 8. Select indoor recreation programs will begin September 21. Brennan Park Arena will reopen to figure skating and hockey groups beginning September 28. Details on the reopening of the The 55 Activity Centre will be announced in early September. In the meantime, select seniors programming will continue outside along with seniors programs prioritized inside at Brennan Park Recreation Centre as it reopens.
 
"Brennan Park is an important place of community connection and an integral part of our physical and mental health and well-being,” says District of Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott. “While our facility will look and feel differently to help protect staff and patrons, we invite you back to Brennan Park to resume some of your favourite programs and activities under new measures. We recognize that not everyone will feel ready to re-engage in indoor recreation and there are varying levels of comfort within our community. What’s important is that people can make an informed decision based on our new protocols and that anyone who does come, re-engages mindfully and maintains a safe distance from others. It almost goes without saying now, please stay home if you are not feeling well.”
 
The current reopening timeline and protocols have been developed in accordance with current Vancouver Coastal Health, the Provincial Health Authority and British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) Restarting Guidelines is as follows: 

• Brennan Park Aquatic Centre reopens -  September 8
• After School Ride programs begin - September 8
• Select indoor programming begins - September 21*
• Brennan Park Arena reopens to hockey and figure skating user groups only - September 28
• Parent and child swimming lessons resume - October 18

*Therapeutic, active, educational and social indoor programming will be prioritized. Outdoor programming will continue through the end of October while weather permits. Learn to skate youth programs will resume gradually this fall.
 
‘Bubble’ or group swims will be permitted for up to 60 minutes per group. A bubble is defined as six people or less from the same household or social group. The pool will be divided into three areas, Beach, Shallow and Deep, with a maximum of two groups allowed in each area and a total swimmer capacity of 30. Lap lane swims will be limited to 45 minutes per swimmer with a maximum lap capacity of 12 swimmers at any given time. 
 
All pool users will be required to register for each individual swim; registration will be open up to 72 hours in advance. 
 
In addition to physical distancing, several new health and safety protocols will be in place:

• Pool users will be asked to arrive pool ready.
• Access to change rooms and washrooms will be limited. 
• Lockers will remain closed. Swimmers will be asked to bring belongings onto the pool deck and leave valuables at home. 
• All pool and program registrations must be made in advance and drop-in visits will not be permitted. Online registration is preferred. Phone registrations may also be made by calling 604.898.3604. 
• Pool equipment rentals will not be available. 
• Water fountains will remain closed. We encourage all visitors to please bring a water bottle.
• If physical distance cannot be maintained, wearing a mask is recommended.

 
The District of Squamish is actively pursuing funding opportunities under the Federal Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Program to support community resiliency and improvements to existing facilities and outdoor amenities in order to further support the recreation services that are so important for our community.
 
Brennan Park Recreation Centre has been closed to the public since March 16. Summer camps and free outdoor programming was introduced this summer to support safe outdoor recreation in accordance with current Vancouver Coastal Health, WorkSafe BC and the Provincial Ministry of Health guidelines. 
 
The District of Squamish welcomes constructive community feedback once the facility has reopened and will continue to modify its operations and protocols as Provincial health guidelines evolve. 
 
For more information on the District’s facilities and services visit squamish.ca/covid-19.
For Brennan Park Recreation Centre registration information, FAQ and how to plan your visit, visit squamish.ca/rec. 
 
Pool Hours of Operation (beginning September 8):
Monday to Friday - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

August 18, 2020