With the launch of Stage 3 of Alberta’s ‘Open for Summer Plan’ this week, the Ponoka Aquaplex returned to regular hours and full programming as of Monday, July 5.
“We’re excited to finally be able to once again offer Ponoka residents full programming and regular hours of operation at our newly refurbished facility,” said Andrew Jones, manager of Parks, Recreation and Facilities.
Beginning on July 5, Aquaplex hours are from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.
All town facilities, including the Aquaplex and the town office at the Ponoka Civic Centre, are following the provincial government’s direction on reopening, which means most provincial health restrictions are no longer in place. This includes mandatory masking and physical distancing. Citizens who wish to wear a mask are welcome to do so but Aquaplex users are asked to please remove masks before entering the pools, hot tub or sauna. Visitors to the Aquaplex and other Town facilities who aren’t feeling well are asked to please stay home and follow provincial health guidelines at www.alberta.ca/covid19 on whether to get tested for COVID-19.
Signage at the Aquaplex and all other town facilities which outlines public health measures that were previously required due to COVID-19 are being removed over the coming week.
Pre-registration is no longer required for drop-in programming at the Aquaplex, which includes lap swims, Everyone Welcome swims, water fitness and parent and tot swims. Change rooms will be open again with blow dryers and lockers available for public use. Aquaplex staff will continue enhanced cleaning measures at the pool.
Registration is now open for summer swimming lessons. For full details, see www.ponoka.ca.
Drowning Prevention Week
Drowning Prevention Week will be held at the Aquaplex from July 18 to 24 with a daily ‘Swim to Survive Skills Challenge’ from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., a colouring contest and a Toonie Swim on July 21 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Over 400 Canadians die in preventable water-related incidents every year. The purpose of Drowning Prevention Week is to build skills and awareness about preventable water-related incidents.
- Submitted by the Town of Ponoka