Blacktown City Council will begin to reopen its indoor swimming pools, libraries and gyms from next week after facilities were forced to close during the COVID-19 lockdown.
In line with the NSW Government’s Recovery Reopening Roadmap, Council’s indoor pools at Blacktown Aquatic Centre and Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre Emerton, as well as gyms and libraries will reopen from Monday, 11 October.
Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope’s indoor pools will remain closed until 18 October due to planned maintenance works.
Group fitness classes for up to 20 participants will resume next week and bookings will be required.
Squad swimming will return on Monday and learn to swim lessons will resume on 18 October.
The City’s libraries, including Max Webber, Dennis Johnson, Mount Druitt, Lalor Park and Riverstone, will reopen on Monday with limited hours on weekdays (9.30am to 5pm) and normal hours on weekends.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said, “Council looks forward to welcoming members of the community back to our much-loved facilities across Blacktown City.
“As a community, Blacktown City residents have come together during the last several months of COVID-19 lockdowns and been vaccinated at an outstanding rate.
“I am proud to see more than 95 per cent of residents in Blacktown City have received a single dose of the vaccine, while double dose rates have gone beyond 75 per cent.
“It is an exciting time as we begin to return to aspects of normal life; however, we are not out of the woods yet.
“If you have not yet received your second dose, please commit to doing so. We must also remember to wear a mask, socially distance and follow the health order.”
Outdoor pools across Blacktown City reopened last month and bookings for lap and recreational swimming will remain.
Library click and collect services, which recommenced last month, will continue, but the reservations delivery service will cease from Monday.
In line with the Roadmap, these facilities will be open for patrons who are fully vaccinated. Vaccinated and medically or age exempt (children under 16) customers are welcome. Proof of vaccination or medical exemption will be required upon entry.
Face-to-face learning at Council’s Kids’ Early Learning Centres will resume from Monday, 18 October. During lockdown, the centres remained open for children of frontline and authorised workers only.
The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre will reopen to the public with digital programs from Thursday, 21 October (10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday). Public programs will recommence in early 2022.
Service NSW QR code check-ins and the wearing of face masks will be required at Council venues in accordance with the NSW Government’s guidelines.
In line with the NSW Government Roadmap, Council also looks forward to welcoming families back to water play parks at Nurragingy Reserve and Blacktown Showground from 25 October.
For the latest COVID-19 information, visit: https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Services/Health-and-safety/Response-to-Coronavirus
Picture: Learn to swim lessons will resume at Council’s swimming pools from Monday, 18 October.
