Windsor’s Pools To Stay Closed, But Splash Pads, Day Camps, Sandpoint Beach To Open

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The City of Windsor will be reopening splash pads, Sandpoint Beach, and is planning to offer day day camps starting in August, but pools and other indoor recreation facilities will stay closed.

The City says some municipal facilities, services and amenities are set to reopen next week, and several others will require more preparatory activity before they are able to be opened later this summer. They say others will remain closed until the City of Windsor is permitted to move to Stage 3 of the Province of Ontario’s Reopening Framework.

Splash Pads

The City says seven of Windsor’s nine splash pads will reopen on July 13th. To adhere to new public health recommendations, officials say splash pad areas will be enclosed using temporary fencing and staff will be stationed on site to limit the number of individuals in the pad as well as to periodically sanitize the features. They say two splash pads will remain closed: Remington Booster Park, as it is located inside the fenced outdoor pool area, and the small splash pad at Kimmy Lucier (Mic Mac Park), as the area is too small to allow for appropriate social distancing. The City says another larger splash pad is located nearby.

Public Pools

The City says both indoor and outdoor swimming facilities will remain closed “due to operational challenges associated with enforcing social distancing.” Officials say the decision will be re-evaluated after the Government of Ontario has permitted the City of Windsor to enter Stage 3.

Sandpoint Beach

The City is planning to reopen Sandpoint Beach in August. They say the delay relates to the Health Unit’s lack of capacity to conduct water quality testing, but the City is hiring a private contractor to conduct testing. The City says they hope to reopen the beach on or before August 4th. They say the period leading up to this reopening is necessary to recall and train staff on new public health protocols, as well as to allow for the installation of lifeguard chairs and swimming area lines.

Park and Sports Field Permits

The City says provincial regulations limit the types of facilities that are permitted to reopen during each stage of the reopening plan. In Stage 2, the City says playgrounds, play structures, and outdoor fitness equipment must remain closed. The City says they are in the process of surveying local sports organizations on their current plans for the 2020 season. Should there be demand for outdoor sports field usage in 2020, the City says a limited number of fields may be made available. The City says park permits will also be available for small gatherings such as weddings and picnics following provincial guidelines.

Day Camps

The City is planning to offer five weeks of “modified” day camps for children aged 3 to 14. The day camps will run from August 4th to September 4th at the WFCU Centre and Capri Pizzeria Complex. The City says the day camps will be subject to “confirmation of sufficient demand for the program.”

The City is planning to recall staff within the month of July to train them on health and safety guidelines and camp programming. The City says day camps at facilities will be reoriented to adhere to social distancing requirements.

Registration for day camps will start on July 2nd, online at activewindsor.ca or by phone at 519-966-6065.

Indoor Recreation and Culture Facilities

The City will be keeping all other indoor recreation and culture facilities — including Willistead Manor — closed. Officials say rentals booked up to September 7th will be cancelled.