COQUITLAM, B.C., May 27, 2020 – Coquitlam will start taking registrations June 1 for outdoor day camps and outdoor fitness classes offered in July, with modifications to protect public health.
Taking place in parks and sports fields, the paid programs have been designed to ensure physical distancing and meet all health requirements, while allowing participants to safely enjoy some of Coquitlam’s most popular recreation programs. More programming may be added throughout the summer based on participant feedback and in alignment with recommendations of the Provincial Health Officer and the BC Restart Plan.
Coquitlam residents can also look forward to a summertime version of the virtual recreation programming the City piloted successfully in May as part of the June 1 registration.
Planning for a Safe and Gradual Reopening of Recreation Facilities
The City has worked to provide the community with safe recreational options in recent weeks – both through virtual programming and through the CoquitlamSPIRIT initiative. At the same time, Coquitlam has developed a preliminary phased plan for safely and gradually reintroducing activities and facilities while looking at best practices and guidelines from other cities, WorkSafeBC, Fraser Health and the Provincial Health Officer, the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA), and other recreation organizations.
The advance efforts dovetailed with the recent provincial reopening announcement and gave the City a head start on its summer plans. Staff have developed a limited offering of new or modified registered programs that incorporate physical distancing and other public health protection. Examples include:
- Group outdoor fitness classes, such as bootcamps and low-impact workouts on sports fields; and
- Small-group summer half- and full-day camps of up to six participants held at Coquitlam’s numerous outdoor amenities with regular handwashing and individualized supplies and equipment for participants.
Based on a phased reopening model, Coquitlam has also been planning for the safe and gradual reopening of other outdoor amenities, including playgrounds, sport courts, spray pads and outdoor pools, as well as the future reopening of indoor recreation facilities. Reopening dates are not yet available as the City takes the steps necessary to meet Provincial Health Officer and WorkSafeBC safety measures. Updates will be posted at www.coquitlam.ca/covid19 and on City social media.
Additionally, City staff are planning for reformatted online versions of the City’s signature summer events, such as Coquitlam Celebrates Canada Day and the Summer Concert Series.
Public Health Will Remain the Priority
As is necessary in these uncertain times, the plans are flexible and the City is prepared to scale back or modify them as required to protect public health. For any City programming going forward:
- Any participant or staff displaying symptoms of any kind will be sent home;
- All programs will ensure physical distancing of at least two metres (six feet), groups sizes as directed by health officials, and no sharing of equipment that is not disinfected;
- Handwashing and good hygiene practices, such as coughing into a sleeve, will be emphasized;
- Common touchpoints (such as shared items and handles) will be minimized as much as possible.
- Heightened cleaning and sanitation protocols will be in place; and
- All appropriate safety standards recommended will be applied.
Program Information Online Wednesday
While there is no printed program guide for the July offerings, all program information will be posted at www.coquitlam.ca/registration as of midnight on May 27.
Registration will begin June 1 at 8:30 a.m. through www.coquitlam.ca/registration (available 24 hours a day, seven days a week) and on June 2 by phone at 604-927-4386 (weekdays only 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except for statutory holidays).
ONE PASS Memberships
Monthly ONE PASS fees will continue to be suspended until facilities reopen. Memberships for passholders who have paid a year in advance will be extended for the equivalent of the closure period.
Bringing the Community Together
CoquitlamSPIRIT, part of the City’s pandemic response, provides a free online library at www.coquitlam.ca/spirit to help residents of all ages have fun, learn something, work up a sweat, support local businesses, engage with others and connect to resources. New content and activities are continually added.
CoquitlamSPIRIT centres around the themes of caring, connections and community to support residents and businesses through these difficult times. The underlying goals are to support community well-being, create new bonds and build lasting civic spirit and pride.
Join Coquitlam’s Efforts to #SupportLocal
The City of Coquitlam has joined the Tri-Cities #SupportLocal campaign to assist local businesses, many of which are struggling at this time. Coquitlam also strongly encourages residents to support local for their shopping and meals; view business listings at www.wegotthistricities.com and www.visitcoquitlam.ca for a directory of 150+ Coquitlam restaurants offering takeout, delivery and dine-in options. Watch our video to learn more about how you can #SupportLocal.
Supporting Our Community During the Pandemic
The City of Coquitlam is here to help, with these resources:
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/csrp to learn about the City’s Community Support and Recovery Plan, which is providing immediate and long-term support for the non-profit sector, businesses and residents;
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/spirit for a free library of activities for all ages, including fitness, arts and culture, outdoor activities and ways to connect with your community; and
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/covid19 for updates on City services and initiatives and COVID-19 health resources.
Coquitlam residents and businesses are also encouraged to follow the City of Coquitlam on social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) and download the CoquitlamConnect mobile app for up-to-date City information.