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Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex (rdnewsNOW file photo)
New Restrictions In Place

Ponoka Aquaplex and arena temporarily closed due to new restrictions

May 6, 2021 | 4:27 PM

The Town of Ponoka is implementing new restrictions at its facilities as a result of new public health measures announced this week by the Alberta government.

Town officials say the changes will be in effect until further notice.

Effective immediately, the Ponoka Aquaplex and the Ponoka Arena Complex are temporarily closed. All swimming lessons and facility bookings at the Aquaplex are cancelled for the next three weeks.

To receive a refund or account credits for a cancelled booking, residents are asked to contact the Aquaplex at 403-783-0131. No new bookings will be taken at this time.

All Aquaplex memberships will be paused during the closure and will be reactivated once the facility is able to reopen again.

The curling rink and racquetball courts at the Ponoka Arena Complex, and the Hudson’s Green Community Activity Centre also remain temporarily closed to the public until further notice.

The following outdoor recreation facilities are also closed to group bookings until further notice: the Town’s ball diamonds, soccer fields and the tennis/pickle ball courts. However, these facilities will remain open for individual and household bookings.

To book these facilities for individual or household use, visit the Town website at www.ponoka.ca. For assistance with bookings, phone 403-783-0131.

Other outdoor recreation facilities that remain open for the public to enjoy include:

  • All public playground equipment in Ponoka;
  • Hamilton’s Skate Park;
  • Battle River Valley trail system; and
  • Outdoor fitness park (located across from the Scout Hall on 46A Street Close).

“It’s very important that our citizens continue to follow the physical distancing requirements when using these outdoor recreation facilities so that we can eventually see restrictions eased back,” said Andrew Jones, Town of Ponoka Recreation Coordinator.

“The Town knows how important it is to provide access to outdoor recreational facilities for our citizens because of the quality of life benefits these facilities offer to our community – especially when our indoor rec facilities have to be closed to help prevent the spread of this virus,” added Town of Ponoka Chief Administrative Officer, Sandra Lund. “That’s why we’re asking our citizens to help keep these facilities open during the pandemic by diligently following all measures being put in place.”

Lund notes that if the Town receives reports of individuals not following provincial health requirements at outdoor facilities such as the Skate Park, there is a risk that these facilities will be required to close to protect public health and safety.

The Town Office at the Ponoka Civic Centre remains closed to public access until further notice, but the Town continues to be open for business by phone, email and online.

Citizens are encouraged to make bill payments online through their bank, by mail, or by credit card using the online credit card payment slip available at www.ponoka.ca or by phoning the Town Office at 403-783-4431. A drop box is also available in the west vestibule of the Ponoka Civic Centre from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.