As of June 1, Morden's Access Event Centre (AEC) has opened its front doors so residents can enter the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre and the AEC as a whole will open June 8.

Director of Community Services Clare Agnew says this gives them time to meet provincial health and safety requirements, ensuring proper signage and hand sanitization stations.

The ball diamonds are also open. Provincial organizations such as Softball and Baseball Manitoba have their own rules to follow, where personal games with those in the community are different. People are asked to allow physical distancing of two metres or six feet, at all times, except for brief instances or if they're participating in a sport or activity.

"That's the wording that came from the province of Manitoba," says Agnew. "We're trying to provide the opportunity for any group using our facilities to abide by that."

The ice plant has also been started up, and Agnew says people can expect rink rentals in the coming weeks, likely around June 23.

"When that opens, it will be half the number of people in dressing rooms to ensure more space. We know that it's going to be evolving, and hopefully, we can accommodate the groups."

Starting in July, more activities will be taking place within the AEC, including summer camps, but there isn't much demand for things inside the facility, says Agnew. Other things, such as weddings and socials, won't be able to be held yet within the centre.

With summer weather coming around, people may be excited to spend time at the beach. Agnew says since Colert Beach at Lake Minnewasta is considered an outdoor play area by the province, it's a space that can be open.

"I'm very thankful we haven't had to close our beach. It's something unique to our area, and I'm optimistic the people using it are also grateful and know if it's misused, it could be taken away from us. We want to make sure we're following the guidelines as much as we can, and we can use the beach all summer."

She reminds people, like in other spaces, they are encouraged to distance themselves physically, other than those who live in your home, or you're helping someone when swimming.

The spray park will remain closed until further notice. Agnew says it's a popular area and would be challenging to manage the number of people who would use it. She adds they will continue to monitor the situation and follow the provincial guidance on that space.

"We want to make sure we are COVID safe, and we're making reasonable expectations of people who are visiting."