Oliver Lees
Regional Victorians were given more options to get out and active last week, as indoor pools and gyms reopened with the easing of lockdown restrictions.
Following the easing of restrictions at midnight Friday, September 17, both the Kyneton Toyota Sports and Aquatic Centre and the Gisborne Sports Centre welcomed back patrons for the first time in months.
With density limits heavily restricting the total number of patrons allowed in each venue, Macedon Ranges council aquatics and fitness coordinator Luke Beattie said council chose to reinstate a booking system in order to manage the high level of interest from the community.
“One thing we’ve noticed through these staggered interruptions is just how important our facilities are to people’s physical health and wellbeing,” Mr Beattie said.
“There are members of the community who rely on the facilities we have to maintain an effective lifestyle, and it can be challenging to maintain their mental health and wellbeing when we’re closed.
“We’ve seen such a strong turnout from the community to use our facilities, it’s great to give people a chance to meet their health objectives.”
Mr Beattie said the strict density quotas has made it impossible for the leisure centres to schedule regular school holiday activities as in previous years.
All indoor stadiums also remain closed.
Due to the requirement of a COVID-19 marshall in the facility at all times, Macedon Ranges council has modified each centre’s opening hours.
For more information, visit: www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/
