City prepping pools and spray parks as Phase 4.1 gets underway

Just in time for some nicer weather, Phase 4.1 of Re-Open Saskatchewan means outdoor pools and spray parks can open.

In Saskatoon, Director of Recreation and Community Development Andrew Roberts says children and parents will have to wait a few more days until the spray parks are up and running.

“It’s just a matter of getting the systems all charged up and making sure all the push-button controls are working, so potentially a few of them could be working in the next couple of days,” said Roberts.

He says all 21 spray parks should be open by Friday.

The target date for Riversdale and George Ward pools is the first week of July. Roberts says it is a big undertaking getting the pools ready, including bringing back staff to operate them.

“We’ve got to get them trained and recertified (and) outfitted with the PPE (personal protective equipment) to operate under our new reality,” said Roberts.

He also says the pool experience will be different this year, as the public health order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 is still in place.

“We’re limited to 100 people in the pool at a time, so that’s going to be a little different. Obviously we still have to maintain our physical distancing,” said Roberts.

Roberts says the opening day for pools will depend on how quickly the city can get staff back in place.

The opening dates for Lathey and Mayfair pools are still to be determined.