Arenas and recreational facilities open up
‘I know how much they’ve missed being out there with all their friends doing what they love’: PGHA president
City arenas and recreational facilities started coming back online Tuesday following the region’s shift to the COVID-19 yellow protect zone.
Minor hockey groups were back on the ice at city arenas following the health and safety protocols they were using prior to the Dec. 26 lockdown.
“I know how much they’ve missed being out there with all their friends doing what they love,” said Peterborough Girls Hockey Association president Stacey Moore. “They need that break and outlet and those connections for their health and well-being.”
“The facility guidelines and protocols have not changed,” said community arenas operations manager Brad Putnam.
“They’re the same capacities and restrictions they were prior to the lockdown in December. We’re continuing to follow public health’s recommendation to permit local regional users only. At this time, and until further notice, we’re just permitting seasonal regular users.”
Putnam said Peterborough Public Health want to avoid visitors from regions not doing as well as Peterborough utilizing local facilities.
Arena division customer service remains closed to public access. Staff continue to work remotely to accommodate as many rentals as possible in a timely manner. Requests can be submitted using the online request form.
The Evinrude Banquet Hall and Kinsmen Boardroom remain closed.
The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre reopened Tuesday. Its weekday hours are from 6 a.m. to noon and 3:30 to 10:30 p.m. On the weekends, it is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Access to the fitness centre is on a first-come, first-served basis and fitness classes, swims and drop-in sport activities will continue through the online booking system to provide the ability to reserve spaces in advance. Members unable to access the online system can contact customer services at 705742-0050, ext. 2201, during operating hours.
Fitness classes and drop-in sport activities will resume starting Monday. Visit www.peterborough.ca/PSWC for more information.
The YMCA of Central East Ontario Balsillie Family Branch will reopen to members on Wednesday at 6 a.m. Members will be required to preregister for fitness classes and access to the lifestyle centre. Registration is open at ymcaofceo.ca. Lane swim and aquafit pre-registration will open as soon as inspections by Peterborough Public Health are complete.
Updates will be shared on the YMCA’s website and social media channels.
Masks must be worn in all areas of the facility and while moving from one area to another. Masks may be removed while showering, actively working out at a station in the lifestyle centre and while swimming. Membership cards are needed for access to the YMCA, which is closed daily from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. for deep cleaning.
The Trent Athletics Centre reopened Tuesday to Trent students, staff and faculty with memberships. Following all health and safety guidelines, the facility is open for by-appointment workouts Mondays to Fridays 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Allan Marshall Pool will reopen Monday, Feb. 22, for students, faculty and staff with memberships, the Trent Swim Club and Kawartha Trent Synchro Club.
Starting Monday, fitness classes, following class limits, are also expected to return, and Excalibur varsity athletes will recommence return-to-train sessions.
Trent also offers its students online programs such as campus recreation e-sports, trivia sessions, virtual fitness classes such as Pilates, meditation and strength training and health and wellness virtual webinars and workshops.
For more information visit trentu.ca/athletics.
“We are so pleased our team is able to reopen the athletics centre,” said Deborah Bright-Brundle, Trent’s director of athletics and recreation.
“Trent students were eager to be back working out at the athletics centre and our by-appointment hourly workout slots were booked for our first day. It is so important to provide safe opportunities for our students to work out and to support their overall health and wellness goals.”