By Lyonel Doherty
“Severe” but hopeful.
That’s how Oliver Parks and Recreation manager Carol Sheridan describes the financial impact of COVID-19.
At a virtual meeting on Monday, she reported the effect of program and event cancellations (and facility closures) as significant.
She reported the total loss of revenue from March 21 to May 30 is approximately $74,000.
Sheridan said they are still taking registrations online and by phone for summer camps and swimming lessons set for July and August (in hopes they will continue, even with restrictions).
She pointed out that staff are currently engaged in a “recreation recovery plan” to make the slow return to capacity operations.
“Our planning process for the eventual relaxing of restrictions includes looking at all operational changes that would maintain physical distancing and reduce contact and touch points for participants.”
This will be done by offering programs outdoors and limiting the number of participants, in addition to increased disinfection of equipment.
Sheridan said the health minister’s current orders regarding recreation facilities and group gatherings ends on May 30.
Opening the pool was a hot topic during the meeting.
“At this point we are facing some hefty operational changes in order to maintain the physical distancing requirements outlined in the Public Health Act order that expires on May 30,” Sheridan said.
But she said the good news is
that staff are working hard to make improvements and complete maintenance to every single facility prior to opening.
Sheridan pointed out that staff planted three large trees at Community Park, including two London Planes and one Autumn Blaze, which will provide some nice shade as they mature.
Several new trees will be planted in Kinsmen Park, too, she pointed out.
