Lake Macquarie residents will soon have access to outdoor equipment such as playgrounds, fitness equipment, skate parks and public baths including Belmont Baths, with facilities expected to reopen on Friday morning.
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Lake Macquarie Mayor Cr Kay Fraser said crews would be out this week inspecting playgrounds and outdoor equipment ahead of their reopening on Friday.
"The NSW Government has advised that from Friday, May 15, the use of outdoor equipment will be allowed in NSW," she said.
"While outdoor facilities will be open from Friday morning, we encourage the community to follow social distancing rules of 1.5 metres, limit their outdoor gatherings to no more than 10 people, and continue to practice safe hygiene and wash hands regularly.
"If you are unwell or experiencing symptoms such as sore throat, coughing or fever, please stay at home to help stop the spread of COVID-19."
Council's director service delivery John Ferguson said Charlestown Swim Centre would also reopen to the community for lap swimming from Friday with swimmers required to pre-book a session to attend the pool.
"Swim Centre staff will take bookings from 9am on Friday 15 May, with the first pre-booked session available from 10.15am, Friday," he said.
"From Saturday, May 16, sessions will be available from 5am-to 5.30pm, daily.
"We understand there are a lot of people in our community who are keen to get in the water but to ensure the safety of staff and our community, and to meet NSW Government guidelines, restrictions will be in place."
Some of the restrictions include:
Limit of 10 people using the facility at any one time, excluding staff, this is subject to change and based on the latest advice from NSW Government.
You cannot attend without a booking. If users do not have a booking, unfortunately they will not be able to access the facility.
Users will be required to pre-book a one-hour session at the facility by calling 4921 0782 between 9am and 5pm, seven days a week.
Phone lines will open to the community from 9am Friday, May 15, for bookings, with the first pre-booked sessions available from 10.15am, Friday.
Bookable session times are as follows:
o 5am to 6am
o 6.15am to 7.15am
o 7.30am to 8.30am
o 8.45am to 9.45am
o 10am to 11am
o 11.15am to 12.15pm
o 12.30pm to 1.30pm
o 1.45pm to 2.45pm
o 3pm to 4pm
o 4.15pm to 5.15pm
o 5.30pm to 6.30pm
Users will be limited to booking one session per person per day to allow as many people as possible access to the pool.
Users will only be allowed to book up to two days in advance.
Users will be charged a flat fee of $3 per session. This fee also applies for parent/guardians supervising children 10 years of age or under.
Pools and other areas will be thoroughly cleaned between each session
Those who are unwell are asked to not attend the facility. Swim Centre staff will refuse entry to any patrons that present with symptoms of illness.
Symptoms include coughing, fever, sore throat.
Users who need to cancel a booking should contact the centre on 4921 0782.
"We ask the community to be patient with us when calling to book, as we expect we will receive an influx of calls each day," Mr Ferguson said.
"We will continually review our service offering to ensure we are providing a safe, flexible and efficient service to our community."
For terms and conditions regarding bookings at Charlestown Swim Centre, visit www.lakemac.com.au
For more information about changes to Council services and facilities, visit www.lakemac.com.au/COVID-19/Changes-to-services-and-facilities
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