Friday, May 21, 2021

Markham offers safe recreation, culture and library programs for summer

MARKHAM, ON – May 21, 2021 – Are you looking for some safe summertime fun? The City of Markham is offering a variety of virtual and outdoor programs this season. All programs are designed to keep you active and engaged, while staying safe as we continue to do our part to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

“Summer is around the corner and the City of Markham has you fully covered for a variety of safe and enjoyable activities,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Whether you prefer to cool off in the pool, exercise in a park or participate in a virtual program, there is something for everyone and I encourage Markham residents to enjoy what we have to offer.”

Try something new or explore an old passion this season. Feature programming for the summer includes:

Morgan Park Outdoor Pool: lane swim, aquafit, lessons, pool rentals, recreational swim and aquatic leadership programs (weather permitting)
Virtual art and theatre camps
Virtual library programs and camps
Pop-Up Park Program for kids
Outdoor and virtual recreation programs
Outdoor and virtual fitness classes

Registration for virtual recreation and library programs is now open. Register for outdoor programs, Pop-Up in the Park Program for kids and virtual culture camps starting May 26 at 6:30 AM at markham.ca/SummerPrograms.

Outdoor programs can be held once the State of Emergency has ended and the City of Markham enters Step 1 of the Government of Ontario’s COVID-19 Roadmap to Reopen Ontario. Outdoor programs will follow all health and safety regulations as outlined in Step 1, and will require pre-booking and a COVID-19 screening before each visit. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, drop-ins are not permitted.

The City of Markham's indoor recreation and culture facilities will remain closed for the summer months. This includes municipal arenas, indoor pools, gymnasiums, fitness centres, indoor sports fields, the Markham Museum, the Flato Markham Theatre and the Varley Art Gallery.

The City continues to monitor and follow advice from public health officials at the federal, provincial and regional levels. The City of Markham is taking a responsible and measured approach to reopening, which is guided by the Government of Ontario’sCOVID-19 Roadmap to Reopen Ontario and Markham’s Response, Recovery & Reinvention Plan. The health and safety of our visitors, community and staff remains our number one priority.

Markham’s Contact Centre continues to respond to inquiries about municipal services and programs at customerservice@markham.ca and 905.477.5530, Monday to Friday between 8 AM and 5 PM.

For more information and updates about COVID-19 and affected City services, visit markham.ca/covid19.

Related links:

-30-

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office:
Bryan Frois, Chief of Staff at bfrois@markham.ca or 416.567.1177.

All other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:
Jennifer Yap, Coordinator, Communications and Media Relations at jyap@markham.ca or 437.229.2450.

For COVID-19 announcements from the City of Markham:
Visit markham.ca/covid19 or listen to 105.9 The Region – Markham’s information and emergency radio station.

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with more than 351,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 headquartered companies and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 234 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy.

Stay Connected: Visit our newsroom or search #MarkhamNews and #MarkhamEvents for the latest information on City programs, services and event.