Baltimore City Will Open Pools For The 2021 Swim Season On Memorial Day Weekend
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Just in time for summer, outdoor pools, programs and more are reopening at Baltimore's recreation centers and parks.
The parks department announced Wednesday that it is entering the second phase of its reopening strategy after limiting programs at most of its locations throughout the pandemic.
"We're excited just to get people back in our spaces, kids back out to green spaces, out from behind the computer screens," said Karen Jordan, the department's deputy director.
That includes the reopening of 11 outdoor pools starting on May 29. Swimmers can come for 90-minute time slots, which they have to preregister for. Capacity is limited to 50 percent.
"We're really excited about opening up, of course, according to all protocols," Jordan said.
To kick off the season, the city will be hosting the annual Big Splash on May 29 at Roosevelt Park Pool at 11 a.m. For preregistration, residents can visit https://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/. Walk-up registration is also permitted. '
Pool operations will be Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Pools will be divided into 90-minute sessions allowing for a 30-minute cleaning period.
Ten more rec centers also are opening, and with that comes more weight rooms, computer labs and summer camps for kids.
Plus, permit applications for weddings and other events at the at the city's parks will start to be accepted May 18. All steps toward a return to normalcy at the city's parks so more people get out and have some fun.
This comes following the announcement to relax some more restrictions in the city beginning Monday.
And if you're looking for a summer job, the parks department has positions at many of its locations. You can apply at governmentjobs.com.