Oliver Parks and Recreation has parents and students covered in case the teachers’ strike continues into September.
At a board meeting last week, members discussed their plan of action, which includes a day camp (8 a.m to 5 p.m.) schedule for kids. This will run three days a week.
“If parents want, we can have five days a week,” said recreation supervisor Katie Eaton.
She pointed out that Parks and Recreation could see a revenue boost of $2,000 in September.
Recreation manager Carol Sheridan said they have been hearing from parents wanting to know if Parks and Recreation will be accommodating them during the strike.
Sheridan noted that parents will have extra money to help pay for the day camp, courtesy of the provincial government that has promised them $40 per child per day as long as the strike continues.
Another proposal the board has approved is extending the operation of the community pool to September 12.
“This year with the real possibility of the teachers’ strike continuing into the fall months, staff have put together a proposal to extend the operation of the pool on a limited basis for an additional 14 days,” Sheridan said.
The cost to adequately staff the pool for seven hours per day for 14 days is approximately $5,000. Sheridan said there is room in the 2014 budget to allow for this extra staffing.
“Several parents have expressed their concern about not having the pool service if children do not have school to go back to on September 2,” Sheridan said.
She has communicated with local daycare providers regarding space if the strike continues.
“There are very few spaces available for school-aged children in local care facilities, so we anticipate there will be parents looking for safe, fun options for their children during the weekdays.”
Meanwhile, Oliver high school administrators Marcus Toneatto and Tracy Harrington are preparing the school for opening day on September 2.
“We are asking parents to check our website and the district website for details,” Harrington said.
