By rdnewsNOW staff

closures continue into fall

City extends recreation closures, cancels summer programming amid COVID-19

May 21, 2020 | 6:30 AM

RED DEER- The City of Red Deer has announced that City-owned recreation facilities will remain closed beyond June 30 following the release of Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy, which identifies the reopening of community recreation facilities in Stage 3.

“At this time, no date is identified for when Stage 3 might occur, however, The City of Red Deer will begin planning for its reopening in alignment with this provincial direction,” reads a media release.

The extended closure impacts summer programming, including camps, offered at City of Red Deer-owned facilities. All current summer programs have been cancelled; however, The City is exploring options for modified programming in some areas.

“We do not yet know what that might look like, but any modified summer programming opportunities will be promoted through The City’s website,” City officials say. “At this time, all registrants for summer programs will automatically be refunded or have their account credited.”

Closures affect all City-owned facilities, including those operated by contractors and includes the following:

Last seen Nov. 28

Missing: Jimmy Eagle, 27, of Maskwacis

9h ago

the situation is dire

Two deaths, possibly from cold exposure, raise alarm amid Red Deer shelter situation and plight of homeless community

Dec 12, 2025

Lace-'Em Up!

Red Deer's outdoor rinks returning for another season

Dec 12, 2025

– Collicutt Centre
– Recreation Centre
– Michener Aquatic Centre
– G. H. Dawe Community Centre
– Intermediate School (including Culture Services)
– Great Chief Park and Setters Place
– Servus Arena
– Kinsmen Community Arenas
– Kinex Arena
– Memorial Centre
– Festival Hall
– Pidherney Curling Centre
– Northside Community Centre
– Edgar Athletic Fields
– All community activity centres
– Programming including Equestrian services at Heritage Ranch

Outdoor amenities are also impacted by these changes. Neighbourhood sport fields are still open for spontaneous use; however, organized and major sporting events are not permitted until Stage 3.

Current outdoor recreation guidelines released by the Province indicate that sport field league play is not permitted.

In addition, the outdoor pool at the Recreation Centre will not open for the 2020 season. This decision was made in alignment with provincial direction and with consideration for the financial risk and viability stemming from a mid-season opening.

“We understand many people are eager to get back to our recreation facilities; however, the safety of both residents and staff continue to be our top priority,” said Karen Mann, Emergency Operations Centre Director. “We are working to ensure that our programs and facilities are ready to welcome residents when it is safe to do so.”

Opening of outdoor water features like spray parks and Discovery Canyon, which are also included in Stage 3 of the provincial Relaunch Strategy, remain uncertain and will be reviewed as further information is released by the province. Anyone with questions about these changes is encouraged to contact The City for more information.

Questions about rentals or bookings impacted by the continued amenity closures can be directed to facilitybookings@reddeer.ca.

Those with questions about program refunds are encouraged to email looknbook@reddeer.ca with their registration details.

Additional information about changes to City recreation offerings is available on The City’s website.