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Outdoor pools, summer camps to open soon in Burnaby

It may not have felt like much of a summer yet, between dreary weather and COVID-related closures, but two key summer activities are finally opening up in Burnaby: outdoor pools and summer camps.
Kensington Pool
Bennett Cheung and Jenna Epple get Kensington Pool ready in a previous season. The city's outdoor pools are great places to beat the heat.

It may not have felt like much of a summer yet, between dreary weather and COVID-related closures, but two key summer activities are finally opening up in Burnaby: outdoor pools and summer camps.

Outdoor pools

Starting on July 6, three outdoor pools – Robert Burnaby, Kensington and MacPherson – will be open for public and lap swims, while Central Park’s outdoor pool will remain closed.

But it won’t be business as usual at the pools. For one, you won’t be able to just drop in at one of the pools. Instead, you’ll have to book a spot up to seven days in advance online (burnaby.ca/outdoorpools) or by phoning a recreation centre.

What’s more, swimmers are asked to arrive in their swimming gear and to leave valuables at home, with only limited access to change rooms and washrooms and no lockers or cubbies available.

You’re also asked to bring your own water bottle, with fountains unavailable for use, and any other necessary gear. Floatation devices will be in short supply at the pools.

All swimmers will also have to shower before getting into the pool.

Wading pools

Wading pools will be opening up the week of July 13, also with new rules to allow physical distancing. That includes asking people to limit visits to 30 minutes when others are waiting to use the pools.

Families are also asked not to bring toys, food or drinks to the wading pools.

Wading pool schedules are available at burnaby.ca/wadingpools.

Summer camps

Summer camps will also be opening up the week of July 13, with the city offering camps for children turning seven by the end of 2020 up to 11 years old.

The day camps will be operating at Burnaby Lake Arena, Charles Rummel Centre, Kensington Complex, and the Bonsor, Edmonds and Wesburn community centres. They will include games, crafts, fine arts and adventure.

Camps will be limited in size due to COVID-19, and activities will be outdoors.

Advance registration is required; more information can be found at burnaby.ca/camps.