More community pools have announced they will not reopen for the 2020 season.
Aquatic facilities in Canton, Chillicothe, Morton, Peoria, Princeville and Washington will remain closed through the summer, amid concerns about the novel coronavirus.
In a joint press release, Chillicothe Park District Executive Director Kevin Yates said the safety of citizens and employees is top priority.
“Aquatic facilities are not places that lend themselves to social distancing,” Yates said. “We just felt it would be irresponsible for us to open up.”
The barriers to reopening include training of lifeguards and maintaining cleanliness of the pools. Peoria Park District Executive Director Emily Cahill said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is still studying whether a properly treated pool can prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“We know there is a lot of science that says chlorine helps to stop transfer of germs, but there are a lot of places in a pool area where germs will transfer and we just aren’t able to protect users in those areas the way we want to,” Cahill said.
Finances were also a consideration. Park district officials weighed the benefit of opening with limited capacities and a shortened season, in conjunction with operational costs and a possible increase in sanitation expenses.
Canton Park District Executive Director Jon Johnson said he knows the decision is disappointing, but they look forward to reopening pools to families for the 2021 season.
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