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Penticton limits aquatic services due to staffing shortage, on-going pandemic

Penticton releases fall recreation guide but not back to pre-pandemic levels
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Recreation Penticton as released its fall recreation guide which has limited services given the pandemic and staffing shortages. (Western News file photo)

With the continued fluidity of the COVID-19 pandemic and the city of Penticton facing a staffing shortage, Recreation Penticton will be offering adjusted and reduced program options for the coming fall season.

When the community centre pools re-open Aug. 30 after their annual maintenance is complete, residents can expect limited service options when visiting the aquatic facility, said Penticton’s manager of recreation, arts & culture Kelsey Johnson.

“Like many industries both globally and locally, the pandemic has had a significant impact on staffing, particularly in our aquatics sector. Due to our reduced resources, we will not be able to offer pre-pandemic service levels for our public swimming, aquatic fitness and learn to swim lessons,” said Johnson.

At this time, existing resources will be focused on increasing the capacity and variety of basic programming like public swimming, generic aquatic fitness and learn to swim in a safe and sustainable manner. Specialized programming will be considered as more resources become available.

Reservations may still be required for some swims or programs due to capacity limitations.

The Fall 2021 Recreation Guide is available to view online on the Penticton city website.

“This recreation guide is more reflective of what residents are used to seeing with a wider selection of programs, which we are delighted to be offering once again,” said Johnson.

“Although this guide has a variety of program options, we are still working on our continued phased approach of the return to activities, which will result in service impacts.”

Popular programs returning for the fall include parent and tot programs, parkour, skating lessons and fitness classes. In addition to information on programming, the fall recreation guide contains operational information including hours of operation and McLaren Arena public skating schedule.

Registration for programs open Aug. 25 for residents and Aug. 26 for non-residents and can be done online through the city’s website penticton.ca/register.

READ MORE: Penticton aquatic facilities closed for annual maintenance

To report a typo, email: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com.

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Monique Tamminga

About the Author: Monique Tamminga

Monique brings 20 years of award-winning journalism experience to the role of editor at the Penticton Western News. Of those years, 17 were spent working as a senior reporter and acting editor with the Langley Advance Times.
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