After being closed to the public for almost a month the Spray Lakes Sawmills Family Sports Centre is preparing to once again open its doors, with far fewer restrictions.

It's been touch and go for fitness facilities, organized sports and activities for the past 15 months, and when they have been able to operate it's been by appointment, and limited to low-impact activities and one on one training.

Now the countdown to Stage 2 is on and the local sports centre is "thrilled to be welcoming back members" for near-normal operations. On Thursday, June 10 the Fireside of Cochrane Fitness Centre and Garmin Track will be open for drop-ins, and while engaged in an activity the use of face masks is optional.

The pools were previously limited to low-intensity programming with heads above the water. Now, the Jayman BUILT Aquatic Centre will also resume near-normal operations. All pools at the aquatic centre will be open for drop-in services, operating at  1/3 capacity, with the exception of the warm water therapy pool, which will be open for specific therapy use. Guests under the age of 18 require a note from a medical professional and must be actively engaging in therapy.

The waterslides and hot tub will also be open and ready.

Cochranites will be happy to hear that the Spray Park is also opening this Thursday. To accommodate social distancing requirements there may be capacity limitations at the Spray Park, and it will close in the event of active weather such as thunder and lightning.

The team at Spray Lakes recommends that members avoid the rush and reactivate or purchase a memberships before amenities reopen on Thursday.