City of Santa Fe issued the following announcement on Oct. 2.
Opening Day Oct. 21, 2020 Following Protocol
The Genoveva Chavez Community Center Ice Rink is undergoing preparation for reopening based on the Governor’s recent revised health orders, with COVID-safe practices in place. The rink is tentatively scheduled to reopen on October 21, 2020. The Ice Rink will be open Tuesday – Friday, 2 PM to 11 PM and Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM to 6:30 PM.
There will be a 10 person limit for the ice recreational facility. Sessions to be offered include: freestyle, lessons, stick and puck, hockey clinics, curling and rentals (45 minute sessions). Ice sessions will be by reservation or by rental only. Additional information specific to reservations will be distributed at a separate time.
“We have a long standing heritage with our ice arena and many individuals and families enjoy our unique recreational offering. I am elated to announce that the ice arena staff has begun preparations to re-open the ice,” said Recreation Director John P. Muñoz.
Prior to opening, the rink must undergo a series of preparation steps to ensure all equipment is functioning after the extended shutdown. Some of the steps include lowering the refrigeration temperature, assessing and prepping the slab for icing, and then introducing ice layers to prepare the ice to the correct thickness and resilience, ensuring the optimum experience for the skater. First, the non-toxic and biodegradable base paint will be laid down, and then approximately 55,000 liters of water will be carefully sprayed and frozen on top, thin layer by thin layer. The crews will then place and paint the ice rink markings and stress test the systems. All recreation team members, including the ice team, have been recalled to GCCC to support with the opening of the ice arena.
Staff members will follow the same sanitation protocols between sessions as observed with the golf, aquatics, and fitness operations. Residents will be required to follow COVID-safe protocol and observe all public health regulations. Out-of-state ice athletes will be required to quarantine if traveling from designated COVID-hotspots.
COVID Protocols include the following:
· Upon entry, residents will undergo a touchless temperature check and answer a short series of screening questions.
· Face coverings are required before and after entering the rink, and throughout the GCCC facility.
· Residents must sign a waiver and a code of conduct as a condition of entry.
· At the end of the session, the indoor ice facility will be cleared and sanitized for the next set of patrons.
· 6 foot social distancing regulations will be in effect at the entrance and throughout the facility.
· Locker rooms and showers will not be available.
Genoveva Chavez will use EPA-approved disinfectants and perform sanitizing and disinfecting best practices as provided by the CDC. Bicentennial has invested in extra hand sanitizing stations, disinfecting wipes and cleaning products, and they are readily available for member use throughout the facility. New cleaning guidelines have been established for staff at all locations.
Original source can be found here.