Friendship Centre now offering pre-registered indoor programming

Building remains closed to drop-in visitors 

In-person programming has returned to the St. Marys Friendship Centre. The facility is once again playing host to popular programs like Carpet Bowling, Gentle Fitness and Chair Yoga, plus new offerings like Line Dancing and Guided Meditation.

The programs are being run according to all current local and provincial COVID-19 guidelines. Participants must register in advance to ensure capacity limits are maintained and to facilitate contact tracing. Patrons will receive specific instructions about mask-wearing and how to access the building after registering for a program. The facility remains closed to drop-in visitors at this time.

Registration can be done online (www.townofstmarys.com/registeronline) or by phone (519-284-3272). A full list of programs is available in the Friendship Centre newsletter. The newsletter can be found at www.townofstmarys.com/friendship and in the drop box located outside the Friendship Centre’s main entrance.

“We are beyond thrilled to welcome the community back to the Friendship Centre for registered programs,” said Jenny Mikita, Senior Services Supervisor. “We’re keeping our schedule light and capacities very limited at this time to ensure our programs run safely and smoothly.”

“We’re taking every precaution necessary to protect the health of our participants and staff,” she continued. “We look forward to offering a safe in-person experience to those who feel comfortable sharing our space.”

The Friendship Centre will continue to provide telephone and virtual recreation programming for the foreseeable future. A weekly schedule is available on the Pyramid Recreation Centre Facebook page (www.facebook.com/pyramidcentre) and on the Town website (www.townofstmarys.com/communitywellness). For more information about virtual and telephone programming, call 519-284-3272.

Reminders for visitors

Enhanced cleaning practices and COVID-19 protocols have been put in place at all municipal facilities to protect the health and safety of staff and patrons. Those planning a visit to any Town facility are reminded to:

• Reconsider their visit if they are feeling sick or experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19
• Practice physical distancing by leaving 2 m/6 ft. of space between themselves and others 
• Wash their hands before and after their visit, and use hand sanitizer during their visit
• Wear a mask or face covering when inside the facility, as directed by Huron Perth Public Health

Updates and information

Updates about the Town’s re-opening plans and COVID-19 response will be posted to the Town website (townofstmarys.com/covid19), Facebook page (facebook.com/stmarysontario) and Twitter account (twitter.com/townofstmarys), and will be shared in our weekly column in the St. Marys Independent Newspaper. Questions about the Town’s re-opening plans can be directed to communications@town.stmarys.on.ca or 519-284-2340.

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Contact

Jenny Mikita | Senior Services Supervisor
519-284-2340, ext. 629 | jmikita@town.stmarys.on.ca