(Regional News, June 10, 2020) - Regional Recreation Corporation of Wood Buffalo Update on Relaunch Strategy
(Fort McMurray – June 10, 2020) –The Government of Alberta announced on June 9, 2020, that Stage 2 of Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy will begin on Friday, June 12. It was also announced that several business sectors which were originally included in Stage 3 have been moved into Stage 2 and can now consider re-opening with restrictions in place, this includes indoor recreation facilities.
Following the announcement, the Regional Recreation Corporation of Wood Buffalo (RRC) will be moving ahead with a phased plan for re-opening public recreation facilities in Wood Buffalo. The RRC’s phased plan, beginning June 19 includes re-opening amenities at MacDonald Island Park (MIP) and Anzac Recreation Centre presented by CNOOC.
“During this time our team is focused on returning to operations safely and rolling out new plans as quickly as possible to support the guidelines provided to us by the Government of Alberta,” says Graig Walsh, CEO. “The safety, health and well-being of our staff and every single community member who walks through our doors is at the forefront of our relaunch and the plans being put into place.”
MacDonald Island Park amenities will be made available for public use as follows:
- June 19: Legacy Dodge Fitness Centre and Indoor Running Track
- June 26: Canadian Natural Arena #2, CNOOC Nexen Fieldhouses, Squash & Racquetball Courts, Indoor Turf Field House, High Performance Training Centre, Don Scott McMurray Law Office Badminton Centre, Legacy Dodge Field and SMS Equipment Stadium
- July 6: Syncrude Aquatic Centre (amenity re-opening schedule TBD)
- Date to Be Determined: Pepsi Climbing Wall, Kirschner Family Community Art Gallery
- When permitted: Indoor Playground + Kid’s Club House
Anzac Recreation Centre presented by CNOOC amenities will be made available for public use as follows:
- June 19: Fitness Centre & Christina River Enterprises Running Track
- June 26: Field House
- Date To Be Determined: Arena
- When permitted: Keyera Playground
Syncrude MI Summer Camps will move forward this season at both Anzac and MIP locations, further details and registration information for summer camps will be shared next week.
Given current public health guidelines in place for recreation centres, visitors can expect to see significant adjustments to capacities, some new processes for usage of amenities and additional screening measures in place. Further details regarding accessing these facilities and new guidelines will be shared prior to the re-opening dates.
“As we navigate through this experience together, we anticipate that things may look and feel a bit different for our guests,” says Graig Walsh. “The RRC will implement new measures and guidelines while balancing them with needs of our guests and their desire to resume regular recreational activities. We understand the community may be feeling some excitement and nervousness, we thank everyone for their patience as we prepare for another great summer of fun with our health and safety in mind.”