Submitted by the City of Selkirk
The City of Selkirk’s popular Walk & Jog program at the Rec Complex returns this year with a few changes to ensure participants stay healthy while pursuing their fitness routines.
“We’re really happy that Walk & Jog is back this fall and winter because we know there are so many people who enjoy it,” said the city’s Program Coordinator Shelly Leonard.
“There are some new rules in place to comply with provincial re-opening protocols and our Return to Play Protocol for the Rec so people will feel safe when they come and they can enjoy a walk or a run indoors when the weather outside turns colder.”
The Walk & Jog program runs Monday to Friday at the Rec Complex from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It starts on Sept. 23 and is free until Oct. 19th when regular fees kick in. It does not run on holidays or during special events. The program goes until the end of April.
Leonard says Walk & Jog aligns with Selkirk’s Strategic Plan that calls for the city to provide the best possible recreation opportunities for Selkirk residents, create a vibrant, safe and healthy community and serve as a hub for culture and recreation.
This year, walkers must register in person during program hours at the Rec Complex before beginning the program season – once you are registered you can book one-hour time slots ahead of time in person, online or over the phone, but your initial registration must be done in person. You will then be able to book up to one week of walking times in advance.
The city has found it essential being able to work a Public Health Inspector since the spring for the reopening of all programs and services. Based on guidance received and because the city has a public health order in place for programs, this program allows for a maximum of 25 people for each one-hour session. Following each session is a 15-minute buffer between booking times to allow one group to leave before the next group arrives.
Participants are asked to arrive no more than five minutes before their scheduled walk time.
Due to capacity restraints, there will only be space for drop-in walkers providing there are less than 25 people registered during a session.
“We really need everyone to adhere to the schedule so we don’t exceed the maximum number of people allowed in the building,” Leonard said.
When you arrive at the Rec Complex the doors will be locked, but an attendant will let you in. You will be required to sanitize upon your arrival and masks are mandatory throughout the duration of your visit; if you forget your mask you will be able to purchase one for $1.
The water fountains at the Rec Complex will not be available so walkers are asked to bring their own water in their own bottles during this time. Washrooms in the main lobby will be closed, but those inside the rink will be open during your walking session. Washrooms and other high-touch surfaces will be sanitized every hour.
The cost for Selkirk residents for the season is $40 and $60 for non-residents.
The city’s Manager of Cultural and Recreational Activities Kyla Ray says that although costs associated in running this program have increased due to the level of sanitization and additional staffing, it was important to keep the price of the program the same for users.
“Access to affordable recreation during this time is vital for the mental and physical wellness of our citizens,” said Ray.
As the situation with COVID-19 is always changing the rules for the Walk & Jog program may change as well.
“Every detail of the program has been examined to determine how to mitigate risk and this has resulted in a significant demand on staff time. Even when the program starts, we will continually re-evaluate our processes,”.
Participants will be asked to show identification for registration and will then receive a walking pass and number. This number will be your identification for daily sign in. Cash, debit, and credit card are accepted.
For more information on the Walk & Jog program, visit MySelkirk.ca/walkjog
To view the full Selkirk Rec Complex COVID-19 Return to Play Protocol, click visit MySelkirk.ca/recreationcomplex.
