Saskatoon

Saskatoon to reopen zoo, 2 outdoor pools this week, with restrictions

People looking to escape from this summer's heat can find a place to cool off starting Tuesday.

Riversdale Pool to open Tuesday, George Ward Pool to reopen Wednesday

Saskatoon is set to open two of its outdoor pools this week. (Martin Meissner/The Associated Press)

People looking to escape from this summer's heat can find a place to cool off starting Tuesday.

The City of Saskatoon has announced it will be reopening two of its outdoor pools — Riversdale Pool and George Ward Pool — with restrictions.

On Tuesday, Riversdale Pool will be open but limited to two hour sessions, with a limited number of spots available. The swimming times will be separated by 30 minutes so staff can clean the equipment.

On Wednesday, George Ward Pool will reopen on a similar basis.

Anyone interested in booking a spot can register with the City of Saskatoon at 306-975-2855. A limited number of walk-in spots will also be made available.

The pools are asking everyone keep two metres apart from people not in your group, and to avoid the pool if you are feeling sick.

Washroom and change rooms are available with physical distancing measures in place, however everyone is asked to bring their own drinking water.

Swimming lessons will not be made available this year to accommodate more people in the pool.

The pools will be open 1-8 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on the weekend.

Dates for the city's two other outdoor pools are still to be determined.

Reopening dates for the Shaw Centre and Lakewood Civic Centre have not been announced, although they are expected to reopen sometime in July.

Meanwhile, the City of Regina expects to reopen the North West Leisure Centre on Wednesday. The Lawson Aquatic Centre is expected to open July 13 and the Regent Outdoor Pool is set to reopen July 17.

Zoo crew

Meanwhile, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo is set to reopen on Wednesday, also on a limited basis.

Admission will be limited to 300 people per hour session, with the last admission at 3:30 p.m.

While a limited number of walk-in visitors will be allowed, people are asked to pre-register with the City at 306-975-2855 starting Tuesday.

Due to the shortened season, the Saskatoon zoo will be offering season passes at lower rates.