Municipal pool to reopen
Stevens Point facility to operate at 50% capacity
By Taylor Hale
City leaders announced their safety protocol plans for the Donald Copps Municipal Pool reopening during an April 7 Parks board meeting.
The pool will reopen this summer with COVID-19 precaution procedures in place on June 5.
The facilities will be reduced to 50 percent capacity, allowing for roughly 225 guests and staff members.
City leaders are looking at both pre-registration and walk-in options for swimmers, giving guests a contactless way to enter the pool.
Increased cleaning and sanitization will also be a goal for pool staff.
Parks Director Dan Kremer noted that many Wisconsin pools stayed open last summer, so city staff has been able to learn from other pools and CDC guidelines on how to best reopen the facilities.
Additional changes to the facility include:
Facility
Pre-register option available for contactless entry; 50 percent pool guest capacity; separate entrance and exits for guests; marked off six foot social distancing at entry; stanchions to help the direct flow of patrons at entry and exits; cleaning stations for guests to use to clean a chair before use; hand sanitizer stations; more frequent disinfecting with various equipment; deck chairs spaced out six feet; increased signage enforcing/encouraging social distancing; no water fountains; Snack Shack open with prepackaged food and drink.
Staff
Wear masks when not in lifeguard tower; educate staff to stay home if symptomatic; report to work at staggered times/different areas; enforce/encourage social distancing; add cleaning attendant within guard rotation to disinfect bathrooms, shower rooms, high traffic areas; and increased PPE availability.