City of Bayswater libraries and recreation centres are set to re-open under strict guidelines next week, in line with WA’s roadmap to easing Coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions - announced by the State’s Premier, Mark McGowan on Sunday.
Mayor Dan Bull said while the City is keen to re-open its facilities, the safety of community members and staff remain the number one priority.
“Staff are currently putting additional social distancing and hygiene measures in place, as well as preparing COVID Safety Plans that will be required by the State government, to ensure our facilities are safe for the community and employees.
Libraries
The Bayswater, Maylands and Morley libraries will reopen on Monday 18 May, allowing up to 20 visitors at a time to loan and return items, access computers and limited customer services. Opening hours will be reduced, with Bayswater Library open from 9am to 5pm week days, Maylands and Morley libraries open from 9am to 6pm week days and all libraries closed on weekends. While limited in person library services will be available for those who rely on them, many of the City’s online programs will continue.
Mayor Dan Bull is encouraging residents to continue to access the City’s library services online.
“City staff have adapted well to the changing environment, moving many of our libraries much-loved services online. Residents can sign up as library members online, giving them access to e-books, audiobooks, e-magazines, movie and documentary streaming, kids entertainment and educational resources all on the City of Bayswater website.
“The City’s libraries have also extended loan periods to six weeks, and increased the loan item limit from 15 to 60. Our online Storytime, Rhymetime and eLearning sessions have been extremely popular. We will continue to offer these programs for our community to enjoy at home.
Recreation centres
Bayswater Waves and The RISE recreation centres will reopen on Monday 18 May for group fitness classes. The classes will operate on a modified timetable due to restrictions around the use of equipment and patron numbers. The group fitness timetable was developed in line with feedback from members, and will be reviewed weekly. Patrons can book a spot by emailing the centre or calling during business hours.
Bayswater Waves will be open from 5.30am to 7pm week days and from 7am – 12pm on weekends. The RISE will be open from 6am – 7pm week days and from 8am – 12pm on weekends.
“The indoor and outdoor pools at the Bayswater Waves will reopen once water testing results have been cleared by the WA Health Department. A maximum of 20 visitors will be permitted per pool, and per group fitness session. The gyms will remain closed until the City receives further direction from the State government.
“With reduced services on offer, all regular membership fees will remain on hold. Instead, we’ll be charging $5 per fitness class or pool entry. This one off fee will allow any members who wish to use the facilities to do so, without putting unnecessary pressure on members who’d prefer not to.
“With the safety of our members and staff in mind, we’ll be regularly cleaning and sanitising all equipment, following strict social distancing guidelines including permitting one swimmer per lane in our pools, and regularly water testing all pools. Swimmers and group fitness participants will be given separate entry points at Bayswater Waves, to minimise cross over between visitors.
“All updates can be found on the City’s website and will be posted on The RISE and Bayswater Waves Facebook pages.
Customer service
The City will reopen its customer service counters at the Civic Centre at 61 Broun Avenue Morley on Monday 18 May, returning to their regular hours of 8.30am – 4.30pm weekdays.
“We understand some residents prefer to visit the Civic Centre however we encourage community members to continue to call us on 9272 0622, email us at mail@bayswater.wa.gov.au or message us on Facebook until restrictions are lifted further.
All payment including rates, infringements and crossovers can be made over the phone or online via the City’s website. Tip passes can be ordered by calling or emailing the City and will be posted to residents. Bulk bins can be ordered by phone, email or on the City’s website. Building and development applications can also be submitted by email.
Community centres
While recreation centres and libraries are set to reopen next week, the City has opted for a cautious approach to restarting its programs for older adults at the Bayswater and Morley Community Centres.
“Our centres are places where seniors gather to play cards, socialise and participate in group activities. Given our seniors are in the high risk category for contracting the virus we have made the difficult decision to delay the reopening of our community centres until phase 3 of the State government’s roadmap for WA.
“One on one services such as podiatry will continue and hairdressing will reopen on Tuesday 26 May, by appointment.
“The safety of our 850 members, volunteers and staff remains our top priority. We simply can’t afford to become complacent when making decisions that directly impact the most vulnerable in our community.
“With over 30 activities on offer, across our two community centres, there really isn’t a fair and equitable way to restart activities and comply with the 20 person limit. Due to the limited space available inside the centres, we would only be able to offer activities to 10 members at a time. Most activities involve sharing food and equipment so only a handful would comply with the new COVID Safety Plans.
“We don’t want our existing community members to be disadvantaged in any way so Council will consider waiving fees payable by its current members for six months as part of its 2020/21 Budget.
“We are mindful of the social isolation some seniors may experience as a result of our centres remaining closed, so our Community Care Team will continue their work, reaching out to all 850 members of our community centres to ensure they are supported and listened to right up until our centres re-open.
For more information and updates please visit bayswater.wa.gov.au/covid19