Echo Dale opens on Friday, change rooms and washrooms now open at limited capacity

Portable toilets will also be on-site and maintained by staff.

The city says the concession will remain closed at this time and visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and snacks.

However, local food trucks have been invited to come out to Echo Dale throughout the summer.

Mayor Ted Clugston says he trusts Medicine Hat and residents of the city when it comes to following public health guidelines like physical distancing.

He says the lifeguards will be out doing their job while visitors enjoy the water.

“But we will also have a “social-distancer”. I don’t really like that term, but the lifeguards have to focus on what they have to do which is to make sure of the safety of the patrons in the water. So there will be someone to gently suggest to spread apart. Obviously, if you’re in the same family you can picnic together or sit on the beach together. But if you’re not, please try to maintain some distance.”

Clugston says it’s a huge park, “I recognize tomorrow it’s going to be fairly warm and it’s the first time and everyone wants to get out there so it may be busy. But please let’s try to keep this park open all summer.”

And a city release says, “Physical distancing efforts must be followed in the water, on the beach, and on the grass. Please watch for signs and be respectful of other visitors throughout the park.”

As for mask-wearing, it’s an individual choice right now in Medicine Hat. “And if that’s what makes you feel most comfortable, please feel free to wear it,” Clugston said.

Meantime, Medicine Hat Police Service says they will be patrolling the regional park as they normally would like enforcing no alcohol consumption.

by Chantal Wagner

Echo Dale opens on Friday, change rooms and washrooms now open at limited capacity

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