Plano Parks & Recreation To Open Pools, Rec Centers On Limited Basis
PLANO, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - Plano Parks and Recreation announced the re-opening the Plano Aquatic Center and Carpenter Park, Liberty, Oak Point and Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Centers on June 1 for members only, with limited amenities.
The amenities will be limited to:
· Walking/Running track
· Fitness area (no free weights)
· Lap swimming only – Hours may vary from recreation center hours.
"We understand the seriousness of this decision and how this will impact so many of our residents," said Ron Smith, Director of Parks and Recreation. "But in the interest of public safety and where we are right now in our fight against the coronavirus, we feel this is the right decision."
In a statement to CBS 11 News, the department said, "This was a difficult decision for us to make since we recognize the popularity of Plano's public swimming pools, and the respite they would provide individuals and families who have been sheltering in place for the past few months."
Taking into consideration the safety of its patrons and employees, Parks & Rec said, "If we were going to open our outdoor pools for the summer, we would do so only if we felt we could comply with the recommended health and safety guidance of the CDC, the national aquatics associations, and other public health organizations. "
They didn't feel they could overcome the following challenges:
· Enforcement of physical distancing between children and youth
· The ability to hire a sufficient number of lifeguards when the number willing to perform lifeguard duties in this environment is very low.
· The ability to recruit, hire, train and certify enough aquatic staff while in the midst of a hiring freeze
· The cost of adding additional employees needed to clean and sanitize common areas such as lounge chairs, hand railings, and aquatic play features on a regular basis, and monitor social distancing of patrons.
They said they made the decision to open indoor pools for lap swimming only because of their ability to control the environment and in the process keep both patrons and employees safe. In addition, indoor pools open for lap swimming would not necessitate the need to hire additional staff.
In the current economic state, this would save the City more than $600,000, according to the release.
The CDC states there is no evidence that COVID-19 is transmitted through water. In fact, the chemicals in pools will kill most germs. The problem lies when people get out of the pool, and are roaming about on the deck, sitting on the lounge chairs, touching the hand rails on the stairs leading in and out of the pool, or on the stairs leading up the slides.
The Sam Johnson Recreation Center for Adults 50+ will not reopen until there is confirmation from state and local public health officials that there is no widespread community transmission of COVID-19.
"We cannot say it enough—the health of our patrons and employees are our first priority," said Susie Hergenrader, Recreation Services Manager. "Every decision we make is in consideration of the well-being of those most important to us – our members and our employees. We want to be sure the approach we take is thoughtful, and is one that provides a safe environment for all upon opening."
People's memberships were placed on hold since March 16, 2020 when the facilities closed. Beginning June 1, when they re-open, all memberships will be extended by the number of days left on memberships when they closed.
For instance, if a member had 88 days left on their annual membership when they temporarily closed, they will still have 88 days left when they open on June 1. Monthly auto renewals will renew after the added number of days left on the membership have been used. They are also allowing people to cancel their memberships and put the credit on their Parks and Recreation account.
Recreation centers will look quite different when reopening.
Plexiglas shields will be in place at the check-in counters. Cash and checks will not be accepted, only credit cards. Staff will be wearing face masks. Floor decals will indicate where to stand if there is a wait. Locker rooms will not be accessible until authorized by the Governor. Not all fitness equipment will be available. Only one swimmer will be allowed in each lane.
Most summer camps were also canceled. Buts some specialized camps at the recreation centers may be held in July and August with modifications.
