Port Coquitlam, BC, June 17, 2021. . . Port Coquitlam families can get a head start on summer fun, with wading pools re-opening this Friday for the first time since 2019.

Registration is now open for free 45-minute timeslots starting June 18 at Routley and Sun Valley wading pools through portcoquitlam.ca/register. After being closed last year due to the pandemic, the two wading pools are opening a week earlier than usual, with COVID-19 protocols in place such as pre-registration and limited numbers.

“We’re thrilled to welcome families back to Port Coquitlam’s wading pools as we begin to responsibly and safely resume activities based on B.C.’s Restart Plan,” Mayor Brad West said. “This is a fantastic and free way to cool off this summer and I know, first hand from my family, how popular they are. Our staff have been busy getting our outdoor pools, spray parks and amenities ready for the community to enjoy a summer of fun and healthy activities. Watch for more opportunities to roll out in the days and weeks ahead.”

Weather permitting, 45-minute pre-season timeslots can be booked from June 18 to 25 at Routley Wading Pool at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m., and at Sun Valley Wading Pool at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. When regular outdoor pool season starts June 26, bookings will be on the hour from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Routley Wading Pool and 1 to 6 p.m. at Sun Valley Wading Pool. Registration opens one week in advance.

For the protection of the public, each timeslot has a 14-person maximum capacity. Children age two or under accompanied by a parent/guardian are only counted as one entry. For children age three and up, both child and supervising parent/guardian (whether in the pool or not) count as one entry each.

While masks are not required outdoors, visitors to City amenities are reminded to:

• Keep at least two metres (six feet) away from people from other households,
• Wash or sanitize hands thoroughly and frequently, and
• Stay home if they are sick or have any symptoms.

Other free or low-cost outdoor activities available to residents this summer include:

• Spray parks at Castle and Sun Valley Parks, and spray features at Lions Park, open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily with no registration required,
• Registered timeslots at Centennial Pool available now, and at Robert Hope Pool starting June 26, for a rate of only $2 for all ages,
• Outdoor tennis and sport courts open with no registration required (see the Facilities & Amenities link at portcoquitlam.ca/recreation),
• More than 271 hectares of park and trails open dawn to dusk, and
• Fun and free ideas and videos for residents through the Move. Create. Connect. library, linked to portcoquitlam.ca/recreation.

Wading pool, spray park and outdoor pool details are at portcoquitlam.ca/outdoorpools.

“We know everyone is yearning to get back to the activities they used to enjoy, while still wanting to stay safe,” said Cllr. Steve Darling, Council’s designate for recreation matters. “We can assure residents that the public’s safety will continue to be top-of-mind as we gradually reintroduce programs and services.”

All Port Coquitlam programs and services adhere to current COVID-19 health protocols and may be adjusted at any time based on provincial health orders.

Stay Active and Informed

Residents are encouraged to check out portcoquitlam.ca/register for summer activities being offered online, indoors and outdoors, including camps, fitness, sports, leisure and the arts.

If B.C.’s Restart Plan continues as planned, City recreation and other facilities that are currently closed will gradually begin to reopen after July 1. Details will be provided to the public as soon as possible, after the next future step in the Restart Plan is confirmed.

For information about recreation programming and reopening plans, monitor portcoquitlam.ca/recreation.

For City-wide information about service impacts during the pandemic, visit portcoquitlam.ca/covid19 and follow the City of Port Coquitlam on social media.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Pardeep Purewal
Manager of Communications & Admin Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5335 Cel 604.218.0533
Email purewalp@portcoquitlam.ca