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London is getting its outdoor swimming season started early, opening three of its outdoor pools Saturday for weekends-only use in June.
Typically, the city’s outdoor pools don’t open until the school year ends, which is still weeks away. But for the first time since the pandemic struck, weather permitting , the city plans weekend openings next month for three pools — Stronach, Westminster and Oakridge .
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The city’s seven other outdoor pools are scheduled to open on regular hours, seven days a week, on June 29, just ahead of the Canada Day long weekend and after the school year ends
“The demand really doesn’t increase to that point of opening more than that until the July period,” said Jon-Paul McGonigle, the city’s director of recreation and sport.
After closing for repairs and a paint job, the Glen Cairn pool will reopen later in June, along with Silverwoods, which needed some “serious infrastructure work” due to accessibility concerns, while the park continues to be revitalized.
As for swimming safety, the city has recovered from a shortage of lifeguards during COVID-19, McGonigle said.
“We certainly feel like we’re at that point (of recovery) now, which we’re super-happy to be at,” he said.
The city’s spray pads have been open since May 17, operating daily from 9 a.m. to 9. p.m. Wading pools will open by June 30, their operating hours yet to be announced,
Other recreational activities, such as aquafit and swimming lessons, will be available at outdoor pools this summer. More details are available on the city’s website.
For more information about the city’s outdoor pools, including locations, programming dates and prices, go to london.ca/aquatics.
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