With a heatwave in southwest Manitoba, as school days draw to a close, pools and spray parks will become important community features.
Town of Virden’s administrator Rhonda Stewart provided the most up-to-date information on Thursday, June 3.
In light of public health orders, she says that the pool can open, but under yet another reduction in capacity allowing four square metres per person.
Town staff must determine what the pool capacity can be, and how to safely open it under those restrictions says Stewart.
“Originally, we had planned to open on June 4, so we did have a plan in place, but at the same capacity used last year. Hopefully we can have that all figured out today (Thursday) in hopes of opening [Friday] night for public swimming and for limited hours on the weekend as well.”
There will be more information posted on the Town of Virden Facebook and website page, such as their hours for public swimming. As the plans progress, the lifeguards do have Red Cross training on the weekend, which is allowed under the Health Orders.
Stewart says, “The Town has been advised by the Public Health Officer that if people are not following the rules, and refuse to after being reminded, that they may be asked to leave. The rules include requiring everyone to social distance, and only swim and sit with people from your own household, as well as wearing masks, unless swimming.”
For the folks at Elkhorn, the Spray Park is not open yet. Again, plans are in place to turn the water on as soon as possible, but there’s no hard and fast date.
RM of Wallace-Woodworth administrator Garth Mitchell explained, “We are waiting on a service representative start-up visit, then we will open.”
Reston Lake is a cooling off spot open to the public now. Follow public health protocol, staying within family bubbles there.
The spray park is not yet open because, like other communities, there’s work to be done before the water feature can open to the public. Reston is working toward opening soon, perhaps this weekend, so check the RM’s website or Facebook.
