Unalaska's Community Center, Aquatics Center gym, and Public Library are reopening June 1, with restrictions.
While the Parks, Culture, and Recreation (PCR) facilities have remained closed since March 16, in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the State of Alaska is now reopening under Gov. Mike Dunleavy's Reopen Alaska Responsibly Plan, and the City of Unalaska is following suit.
Reservations are recommended, but not required for the Community Center, Aquatics Center gym, and Public Library computer use. All facilities are operating at limited capacities. Similarly, face masks will be required when not working out, and patrons are expected to maintain a six-foot distance from others.
According to PCR director Roger Blakeley, the PCR's intent is to keep both patrons and employees as safe as possible, while still providing a service to the community.
''[For] the people here on this island, the PCR is an outlet to get some mental and physical health,'' said Blakeley. ''And I miss being able to be here and get some exercise and do the things that I want to do—I know that other people are the same. I want everybody to be safe, have a good time, exercise, get yourself better, mentally and physically. So, let's see if we can make that happen.''
Reservations for Community Center use will be made in half-hour installments and specific to each workout facility, including the fitness center in the Aquatics Center.
The pool and sauna are still closed to the public due to renovations, but are expected to reopen later this month, according to Blakeley.
While the library is open to patrons, Blakeley says that books and movies will be quarantined for three days when returned, before being sanitized and put back on the shelves. The Public Library will be reserved for patrons who are at high-risk of contracting coronavirus from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays.
To make reservations or inquire about capacity, patrons can directly contact each facility.
