Those looking to drop by Whistler's Meadow Park Sports Centre for a swim, a workout or otherwise will now need a membership in order to do so.
As the centre continues to operate at a reduced capacity amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) announced last week that it will no longer allow drop-in visitors, in an effort to prioritize access for the facility's passholders.
That means bookings for Meadow Park's squash and basketball courts, pool facilities, indoor public skating, fitness centre and included in-person fitness classes will once again be reserved exclusively for passholders with a valid membership. The change went into effect on Saturday, Jan. 16.
"This change is to ensure that there are enough staff hours to provide recreation programming in addition to supporting COVID-safe operations at Meadow Park Sports Centre," RMOW staff explained in an online notice.
According to the municipality, access for programs like Stick & Puck hockey, registered and flex registration fitness classes and all online fitness classes remains unchanged.
The facility reopened to the public in August 2020 with a host of new health and safety measures, after initially shutting its doors last March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The RMOW encouraged any local residents who are concerned that they cannot afford the cost of a Meadow Park Sports Centre pass to apply for a PLAY credit through the Whistler Community Services Society.
