After being closed for seven weeks, most of Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) sport and recreation facilities reopen at 8.00am today (Saturday May 16).

Facilities to reopen include council-owned swimming pools, indoor courts, outdoor turf, gym and group fitness studios.

“The team are on their marks and set to go,” QLDC general manager community services Thunes Cloete says. 

“Opening on Saturday will enable the management and staff to regroup, undergo training and implement the measures required by central government for us to operate safely and give our users the most positive experience possible at level two,” he said.

Several changes have been implemented as a result of customer feedback to an online survey conducted during lockdown which received nearly 500 responses.

The Wanaka Recreation Centre reopens this morning. 

“Members and casual visitors will see lots of visible changes such as plenty of hand sanitiser, screen guards at reception, signage, capped numbers in swim lanes, the removal of some shared equipment to create more space, and fewer numbers in fitness classes which will need to be booked in advance,” Thunes said. 

“We are also stepping up our cleaning regimen through the day and using a brand new anti-microbial product that’s effective on surfaces for 30 days.”

A staged reopening of some facilities will ensure council can meet level two government guidelines.

“It goes without saying that safety is our number one priority.”

The pitch at the Wanaka Recreation Centre.

In Wanaka, the rec centre’s hot pools will remain closed for now. A date for the resumption of learn-to-swim classes will be confirmed as soon as possible, Thunes said.

Many of the council’s sport and recreation staff have been seconded to assist the council’s welfare effort and other essential roles in the district’s COVID-19 response while facilities have been closed. He thanked them for adapting to the challenge, and thanked members, user groups and other customers for their patience while facilities have been closed.

“We’ve posted a steady stream of online workouts and ideas to keep active since lockdown began, but I know the return to some form of normal routine will be a major boost to everyone’s physical and mental well-being,” Thunes said.

Full details of operating hours, activities and how to save money by becoming a member at Wānaka Recreation Centre are available on the council website or by calling 03 443 9334.

PHOTOS: Wanaka App