Kitchener to reopen rec. facilities, community centres, and offer programming

The City of Kitchener is getting set to reopen community centres, arenas, and other recreational facilities as part of Stage 3 of the province's reopening plan.

Some rentals will be available as well.

The plans were detailed in a news release by the city on Monday afternoon:

Arenas

Ice time can now be booked for training and modified programming at Sportsworld Arena and Activa Sportsplex with more rinks to be added in late September to mid-October. Rentals and pick-up sports are expected to return to Budd Park in early 2021 after some facility improvements are completed.

Community centres

The City is gradually and safely reopening our centres to resume some fall programming in line with provincial safety regulations. Residents can expect a different experience when visiting our community centres as safety measures, such as pre-screening and physical distancing, will be in place. Beginning Sept. 14, Centreville Chicopee, Chandler Mowat, Doon Pioneer Park, Kingsdale, Mill Courtland, and Victoria Hills will reopen. Country Hills, Forest Heights, Rockway, Stanley Park,

Williamsburg will reopen on Sept. 21. To begin centres will be open for 3-4 hours a day.

All programming will require registration through ActiveNet. A broad and varied range of programming will be offered to meet the needs and interests of all age groups. Currently offered amenities and services, such as public access computers and food distribution at Chandler Mowat, Kingsdale, and Centreville Chicopee will continue. Active At Home virtual programming will continue to be available for residents.

The City is also excited to launch the Book Your Bubble program, which will provide residents with the opportunity to book gym time for up to 10 people and bring their own equipment. Bookings can be made online.

Registration for some programming is now available on ActiveNet.

Kitchener Market

All classes and programming offered at the Kitchener Market continue to be offered online through the City of Kitchener Facebook page. Weekly cooking classes are posted on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. and the family-focused Kids in The Kitchen live class is on Saturdays at 10 a.m. After original postings, all videos are saved for residents to enjoy on their own time. Additional programming, such as the master canning class on Sept. 22, will continue to be added into the fall and winter months. Subscribe to the Kitchener Market online events calendar to stay up to date with all things Kitchener Market. At this time, market rentals are unavailable.

Pools

Registered swim times are currently being offered at Breithaupt Centre Pool (BRC), Forest Heights Pool (FHP), and Lyle Hallman Pool (LHP). The Learn To Swim programming returns this fall with sessions being offered at each pool from September to December. Sessions run for four weeks each. Start dates for session 1 are Sept. 22 (LHP), Sept. 26 (BRC), and Sept. 28 (FHP). Registration for session one is now open and sessions 2 and 3 will follow with registration expected to open for both on Oct. 5. To register visit kitchener.ca/SwimmingLessons.

Sports fields

The Province of Ontario has permitted municipalities to reopen sports fields such as baseball diamonds and soccer fields for recreational use. A full list of bookable sports field through the City of Kitchener is available at www.kitchener.ca/Sportsfields/

With the gradual, phased reopening of indoor city facilities and amenities, the City wishes to remind residents of the importance of wearing a face mask, maintaining physical distancing and following necessary Provincial and Regional health and safety guidelines.