Sikome Lake closed, other swim spots open for summer
For the second year in a row Sikome Lake will be fenced off and dry, meaning those looking to beat the summer heat will have to look for other swimming holes.
The provincially run artificial lake in Fish Creek Park will remain closed for the season, according to Alberta Parks, in part because it wasn't filled in time.
Alberta Parks said the decision to not fill the lake for the 2021 season was made in May, when COVID -19 numbers were much higher and there was still uncertainty about any relaxation of pandemic precautions.
In a statement, the province said the timeline for preparation includes “at least two months to fill the lake, calibrate the treatment plant, treat the water, and hire and train specialized staff to work at the site.”
While Sikome Lake won't be available to swimmers, other Calgary outdoor pools will be open this summer.
Seven of the eight outdoor pools managed by the Calgary Outdoor Swimming Pools Association are already open and taking bookings.
Reservations can be made online via the group's website. The entrance fee is $5 per person, regardless of age, and booking windows are generally for an hour and a half.
Most of Calgary's wading pools
Preparations takes “at least two months to fill the lake, calibrate the treatment plant, treat the water, and hire and train staff.”
and spray parks opened June 19, with a few exceptions. Those not open are closed due to renovations and upgrades.
Capacity remains limited to allow for social distancing, according to the city's website.