Here is what you can expect at City of Saskatoon recreation facilities this summer with the provincial public health orders lifted.
The City says safety protocols for staff will remain, but masks and physical distancing are no longer required for the public, but the masks are welcome if you feel more comfortable wearing one.
At Leisure Centres and outdoor pools, you are still encouraged to pre-book a visit but there will be a limited number of walk-in spots available for land and aquatics programs.
Plans are underway for removing timed sessions for fitness and weight rooms.
Capacities have increased for swimming lessons, but won’t be at full capacity until the fall.
Crafts and games have resumed at the play programs, and walk-on tee times are available at Holiday Park, Wildwood and Silverwood Golf Courses.

Following the lifting of public health orders on July 11, the Recreation & Community Development Department has continued to resume regular programming and services at the City’s leisure facilities and attractions.

Here is what you can expect during a visit this summer:

Existing safety protocols for staff will remain in place as staff safety continues to be a top priority for the City of Saskatoon. Masks and physical distancing are no longer required for customers. Customers are welcome to wear masks if they feel more comfortable doing so, however, they must be removed when participating in aquatic activities.

Leisure Centres and Outdoor Pools:

Drop-in Programming

Drop-in program capacity has increased as of July 11 in alignment with current staffing levels and will be managed in timed sessions through ‘Book a Visit’ at saskatoon.ca/leisureonline (or by calling 306-975-2855 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., daily) for the remainder of the summer. A limited number of walk-in spots are available. To avoid disappointment, visitors are encouraged to pre-book a visit. Pre-booking is available up to 2 days in advance starting at 9:00 a.m. each day. An increased number of walk-in spots have been made available for land and aquatics programs and plans are underway for removing timed sessions for fitness and weight rooms.
Lesson equipment for land and aquatic programs, such as aquatic dumbbells and yoga blocks, are now available as well as sporting equipment for the courts at the outdoor pools.
Lane swim has increased to more than one person per lane. Participation numbers are restricted to pool capacity and current staffing levels.
Personal training will start August 1 at Shaw Centre and Saskatoon Field House. Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres will reactivate this service in September.
Pickleball, badminton, tennis and racquetball court bookings are available. Please call the Leisure Centre directly to reserve a court.
Childminding services will be returning to Lakewood Civic Centre, Saskatoon Field House and Shaw Centre in the Fall.

Red Cross Swim Lessons & National Lifeguard Award Certification

Capacities for Red Cross Swim Kids 5 to 10 and National Lifeguard Award certification and re-certification courses have increased.
Modifications continue to be in place for Red Cross Swim Preschool Programs and Swim Kids 1 to 4 lessons running during the summer and will return to normal operations beginning in September. Throughout the summer:

To ensure staff safety, Red Cross Swim Preschool Programs and Swim Kids 1 to 4 still require a parent/guardian in the water to assist swimmers.
Water Safety Instructors will continue to deliver swim lessons from the pool deck. Instructors will do demonstrations in the water when it is possible to maintain 2 metres of physical distance from participants.

Throughout COVID-19, training courses such as National Lifeguard Award certification courses, were restricted by public heath orders to a limited number of participants. This has led to a lower number of qualified candidates available to hire and aquatic programming is being offered in alignment with current staffing levels. The City is currently hiring lifeguards so if you or someone you know is interested please visit saskatoon.ca/careers!

Spectators

For drop-in programming without lifeguards, there are no restrictions on spectators, unless they are imposed by the rental group or the program.
For swimming lessons, spectators are now allowed.
For public swimming, spectators must pay and reserve a spot as they are included in the guard capacities as a potential swimmer.
For every two children under the age of six, there must be one adult or responsible youth (16 years or older) within arm’s length, supervising the children’s water play and activity.
Spectator seating is returning from storage and will soon be available at all sites.

Facility Amenities

Water fountains are now available.
The steam room is available at Saskatoon Field House. Saunas at Lakewood and Lawson Civic Centres and Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre will open soon.
Lockers are available at all sites.
Paid towel service at Saskatoon Field House has permanently been discontinued.

All Leisure Facilities:

Private & Public Facility Rental Opportunities

Private rentals such as meetings, fitness classes and birthday parties at indoor leisure facilities are available. Capacity restrictions are determined by room set-up and size. Food and beverages are now permitted in the rental spaces.
Nutrien Playland at Kinsmen Park has begun taking birthday party bookings. during operating hours. Private rentals will not be available in 2021.
Outdoor special events have resumed under the City outdoor special event guidelines. Residents can look forward to seeing more public events happening in downtown parks for the remainder of the summer.

For more information on rental opportunities, visit saskatoon.ca/facilityrentals

Play Programs and Paddling Pools

Crafts and games have resumed at the play programs
Swim times are no longer offered in timed sessions. Residents may drop in at any time during operating hours. The maximum capacity of all paddling pools is 50 patrons.
For every 2 preschoolers under the age of 6, there must be one adult or responsible youth (12 years or older) within arm’s length, supervising the preschoolers’ water play and activity.

Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo

The Kinsmen Children’s Zoo and Affinity Learning Centre remain closed to the public for renovations.
Kinsmen Express remains closed.

Golf Courses: Holiday Park Wildwood and Silverwood Golf Courses

Walk-on tee times are being accepted at each course.
Tournament bookings are welcome.