The City of Oak Ridge will open its outdoor pool for the season starting June 15, which is later than normal, with changes due to COVID-19.
The pool normally has swimming hours Memorial Day weekend, and then opens for the season around the first of June.
This year, the main outdoor pool on Providence Road will be open, but the little pool for children will remain closed for the summer, the city said in a press release Friday. The indoor pool at the Oak Ridge Civic Center will remain closed through the summer.
A maximum of 200 people will be allowed in the pool area at one time, and reservations can be made online through Eventbrite. Families will be spaced apart. Restrooms will be open, but the showers and dressing rooms will not be. The picnic table area will be closed, and no public or private pool parties will be allowed. Swimming lessons are canceled for now.
In the press release, the city said the pool water is being treated with chlorine, a disinfectant that “wipes out” the virus. The main focus will be following social distancing and repeatedly sanitizing commonly used areas, the press release said.
Here are the changes that will be in effect:
- The city is allowing up to 200 people in the pool area at one time. Reservations can be made online on Eventbrite in order to avoid the handling and exchange of cash. Ticketed visitors can then show their proof of reservation with a QR code at entry (this can be printed or shown on a mobile device).
- When reservations are being made, visitors will be asked to select a time period they wish to reserve: 12 to 2 p.m., 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., or 5 to 7 p.m.
- Ticket prices remain the same ($4.25 adults, $3.50 for youth, and $2.50 for seniors over 65), but Eventbrite will add a small convenience fee for their service. There will be no refunds and no rain checks.
The following health safety precautions will be taken at the pool area:
- Families of five or less will be assigned a 10′ by 10′ area in the lawn surrounding the pool that will be spaced six feet apart from other squares. If a family has more than five people, they will be issued a second square.
- You should arrive already dressed in your swimsuit because dressing rooms and showers will not be open to the public. Restrooms will be open.
- Staff will clean the pool and pool areas throughout the two-hour time slot and will conduct a deep clean in the 30-minute window between sessions, when the pool area is completely emptied out.
- No public or private pool parties will be allowed. The picnic table area will also be closed.
Swimming lessons are canceled until further notice. The indoor pool at the Civic Center will remain closed through the summer, the press release said. Public parking for the outdoor pool will be available at Oak Ridge High School, and signs will be posted to direct drivers.
For more information, call the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department at (865) 425-3450.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
You can contact John Huotari, owner and publisher of Oak Ridge Today, at (865) 951-9692 or [email protected]
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