KENSINGTON, P.E.I. — The FitPlex at Kensington’s Credit Union Centre has been getting some extra attention while it is shut during the coronavirus (COVID-19 strain) pandemic.
Mayor and councillors at the May meeting heard that the gym facility has been disinfected more than once, and equipment has been spaced out to allow for physical distancing.
The facility has also been painted “top to bottom,” said Kensington’s chief administrative officer Geoff Baker, who added Mayor Rowan Caseley had been in to see the work.
“It really brightened the place up. I think it looks good. It’ll be nice for when everybody comes back,” said Caseley.
The FitPlex will reopen when the Department of Health determines it is safe, but councillors are worried cleanliness rules will continue to be ignored.
At the March council meeting, Coun. Ivan Gallant noted some visitors were wearing winter footwear into the gym and were not cleaning the equipment after use.
The mayor said the facility manager made extra signs, with some to be attached to the equipment, reminding users to wipe it down.
Coun. Jeff Spencer asked if the gym will bring on staff to work through the day to ensure people are cleaning the equipment properly.
“We can’t afford to go back to staffed, I would say,” replied Caseley.
To keep an eye on gym safety, the two will use video monitoring and discussions with the users, said Caseley.
“We’re going to do whatever we can to try to ensure people are safe,” said the mayor.
Kensington is also preparing other recreation facilities for the modified summer season. Coun. Wade Toombs asked whether the pool would be cleaned and ready.
“It can’t stay in its winter condition,” said Toombs.
“If you leave it the way it is, it’ll just become a cesspool, basically.”
Caseley said it might not open in the summer of 2020 due to the coronavirus, but Baker promised the pool would be taken care so it’s ready to open in 2021.
