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2009 News and Information

Richmond Olympic Oval to Close February 26, Reopen March 20 with New Rates, New Programs

25 February 2009

The Richmond Olympic Oval will launch its next phase of public service on March 20, 2009 with expanded fitness, sport and recreation programs and new membership rates that reflect the enhanced service.

The new launch will follow a temporary suspension of regular Oval public programming from February 26 to March 19, 2009 to host the Essent ISU World Single Distances Speed Skating Championships 2009 from March 12-15.

“With less than one year to go to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games,” said John Mills, General Manager of the Richmond Olympic Oval, “it’s time for the Oval to begin fulfilling its destiny. On March 12, 2009 we will welcome the world to Richmond and embrace the spirit of international collaboration through excellence in sport.”

Since the Oval opened to the public on December 12, 2008, over 120,000 members of the public have been through the building - including over 50,000 on the ice and the Oval’s almost 1,500 members.

“On March 20, 2009, we will re-open to the public with a new, expanded and innovative program schedule on our gymnasium floors, and in our Fitness Centre and fitness studios. We will also introduce new membership rates and benefits, including free parking and priority member registration to our adult and Oval Kids programs,” said Krista Popowych, Manager of Programs and Services at the Oval.

A selection of the Oval’s new adult registered programs include Learn to Row (dry land and Indoor Rowing Tank training), Bellydancing, Plyometrics, Pilates, Gyrokinesis, and Fit 4 Two® Mom & Baby Bootcamp. New Oval Kids programs, for ages 2-12, include Tot & Me, Yoga Bears, Futsal Fun, Badminton Basics, Lil Dribblers Basketball and Pass, Set, Spike Volleyball.

Many of these programs are made possible by the Oval’s expanded dry-floor space following the Speed Skating Championships as the ice comes out for technical modifications from March 20 to May 31, 2009.

Highlights of the new membership fee schedule include a deep discount for renewing 60 Day for $60 Members who can save up to $240 on a 24-month membership – the special renewal rate of $45 per month is available until June 15, 2009 – and a new Family Membership discount of 10%. The last day to buy 60 Day for $60 membership is February 25, 2009. All Oval memberships will be extended accordingly to cover the temporary disruption to regular operations from February 26 to March 19, 2009.

For all membership rates and benefits, please visit www.richmondoval.ca. To register in Oval programs, please call 778-296-1400. The Oval front desk will remain open from February 26 to March 7, 2009 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for processing memberships and program registration.