Crews have begun demolishing the Regent Par 3 golf course in Regina as they make way for new development at Regent Park.
The city announced on Tuesday that workers will be taking down “the existing clubhouse, storage building and some adjacent plant material” to make way for the new amenities at the park. Other projects will include moving power poles, tree removals and rough grading on-site for the remainder of the construction season.
Residents will be seeing many changes at the park with plans to make it a recreation-only area including a multi-use sports field, accessible playground, spray pad, pathways, picnic spots, off-lease dog parks, toboggan hill, seasonal washroom and a disc golf course.
Janine Daradich, manager of planning and partnerships with the city, said it’s a project that will be active for the next couple years.
“We hope that the project will be complete in the fall of 2021 and portions of the area will be available for the community to use at that time,” shared Daradich.
She added that construction will not affect the reopening of the Regent Pool which is set to open its doors to the public on Friday, July 17.
It will be the only outdoor pool to open this summer in Regina due to COVID-19. The Lawson Aquatic Centre and North West Leisure Centre are the only indoor pools that are opened in the city right now.
Manager for community and recreation programs for the City of Regina Bobbie Selinger said there are some precautions to be followed at Regent Pool once it opens.
“Some specific examples include ensuring physical distancing by having reduced capacity,” Selinger said. “We are asking customers to register for activities at the pool, and we’re asking customers to only come 5-10 minutes in advance of their activity and not linger unnecessarily.”
Selinger also said there are some things people will need to remember when heading to the pool this summer.
“We are completing enhanced cleaning protocols, we are encouraging to come dressed and ready to go,” Selinger said. “There will be a questionnaire that has health-related questions posted for customers to answer before they come, and we’re also asking customers to bring their own water bottle.”
Swimmers and city staff are asked to maintain a minimum of two metres physical distance at a facility, including in the water, from anyone outside their household or extended household.
Lane swim and leisure swim times will be offered in timed blocks. Pre-registration is preferred, giving citizens a chance to register up to three days in advance online or by calling the PlayLine at 306-777-PLAY (7529). A limited number of walk-in spots will also be made available.
Operating hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily and admission to the pool will be free.