Recreation services in Vernon hit hard by pandemic

Photo: Jon Manchester

Vernon Recreation Centre

A fourth quarter report from the City of Vernon's recreation services department shows the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a big impact.

Following a complete closure in March and limited reopening later in the year, a report to council outlines a dramatic drop in usage.

The Vernon Aquatic Centre has seen 71% decrease in learn to swim participants compared to fall 2019.

There were 10,000 pre registered swim visits, a 75% decrease, and several programs and events had to be cancelled.

Among recreation programs, play school saw a 29% decrease and tiny tots preschool a 30% drop.

Use of youth after school recreation programs dropped by 80%.

And, drop-in rec sports reported 525 visits, a 65% decline.

Fitness program use dropped 66%.

Revenue-generating facility bookings were also down considerably.

Meeting space bookings dropped 42%, bringing in $12,884. Gym hours were down 19% at $17,263, and arena bookings declined 20%, bringing in $221,976.

On the positive side, the report notes rec facility users were pleased with the level of COVID precautions and sanitization.

"Several people have said they feel we all have done a fantastic job co-ordinating and anticipating potential issues with our reopening. The overall feeling is that everyone is feeling safe and that we are doing everything right to minimize potential issues and they feel comfortable with the level of cleaning and sanitizing we are doing to keep everyone safe," the report states.