ADVERTISEMENT

    The List: Community Pools Plans for the 2020 Summer Season

    Memorial Day typically signifies the start of pool season, but as with practically everything else – things will be different this summer.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Public pools were officially allowed to re-open Tuesday, May 26. Some community pools have already announced they will be closed for the season, while others have yet to make a decision. Those that do open for the summer will be adhering to guidelines as laid out by the state, which include mandates like no gathering in groups of different households, reduced capacity to maintain social distancing (in all areas of the pool) and limiting the number of pool goers in restrooms and shower facilities at any one time.

    Here’s a rundown of the latest news from community pools around Central Ohio. Check back for updates as more neighborhoods make official announcements.

    Bexley

    Closed for the 2020 Season

    Bexely’s David H. Madison Community Pool will not welcome swimmers for summer 2020. The city made the decision to keep the pool closed on May 27. Mayor Ben Kessler said, “We have thought through all of the different variations of how to open the pool…We have a responsibility to our residents, and we believe that we are best exercising that responsibility by forgoing the pool opening this season.”

    For more information, visit bexley.org/pool.

    Canal Winchester

    Closed for the 2020 Season

    The Canal Winchester Municipal Pool will remain closed for the 2020 season. An announcement on the city’s website from May 22 said the new guidelines under which pools could open for the season “pose numerous unavoidable practical challenges” that would severely impact the public’s enjoyment of the pool.

    For more information, visit canalwinchesterohio.gov.

    City of Columbus

    Decision Not Yet Made

    The City of Columbus has not yet made a decision on opening its eight public outdoor pools for the 2020 season. In its Summer 2020 Plan, the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department said, “In reviewing guidelines released from the Ohio Department of Health, the department is thoughtfully evaluating options for pools and aquatics programming. The safety of participants, residents and staff remains our top priority. The decision to open pools and continue aquatics programming will be based on guidance from Columbus Public Health.”

    For more information, visit columbus.gov/RecParksCOVID19.

    Dublin

    Opening No Sooner than July 1 with Restrictions

    Dublin’s Pool South and Indoor Lap Pool are slated to re-open no sooner than July 1. The Dublin Community Pool North remains closed for planned renovations.

    The pool experience will be markedly different than in years past, accessible only through day passes or by signing up for a pre-determined window of time. Pool goers will have access in 90-minute time blocks limited to 115 people each with closures in between for cleaning and disinfecting.

    For more information, visit dublinohiousa.gov.

    Gahanna

    Closed for the 2020 Season

    The City of Gahanna will not open its two public pools – the Gahanna Swimming Pool and Hunter’s Ridge Pool – during summer 2020. In a press released issued on May 29, the city said, “We regrettably have not found a path forward that would enable us to operate our swimming pools in a manner that would ensure the health and safety of our guests and staff while providing an enjoyable experience for swimmers and their families.”

    For more information, visit gahanna.gov.

    Grandview

    Closed for the 2020 Season

    Mayor Greta M. Kearns announced on May 2 the Grandview Heights Pool would be closed for the 2020 season. Swim lessons are also canceled. Kearns said, “Social distancing will be with us a long time, and at a basic level, we have to recognize that social distancing is incompatible with the operation of a public pool.”

    For more information, visit grandviewheights.org.

    Grove City

    Closed for the 2020 Season

    As of June 8, Grove City has announced that The Big Splash will be closed for the 2020 season with a target re-opening date of May 29, 2021.

    For more information, visit grovecityohio.gov.

    Groveport

    Closed for the 2020 Season

    The city of Groveport made the decision on May 26 to not open Groveport Aquatic Center for the season. The city is following the recommendations of Franklin County Health Commissioner Joe Mazzola who advised pools not to open this year.

    For more information, visit groveportrec.com.

    Hilliard

    Closed for the 2020 Season

    The city of Hilliard announced on April 27 its pools and splash pads would not open this summer due to concerns over the coronavirus. City Manager Michelle Crandall says that a shortened or modified season didn’t make sense because of significant fixed costs associated with preparing pools to open for the summer season. The closure impacts two pools – the Hilliard Family Aquatic Center and Clyde “Butch” Seidle Community Pool.

    For more information, visit hilliardohio.gov.

    New Albany

    Closed for the 2020 Season

    On May 28, the Plain Township Board of Trustees (which encompasses New Albany) made the decision not to open the Plain Township Aquatic Center for summer 2020. Township Administrator Ben Collins said, “We have not found a path forward for operating the Plain Township swimming pool that would ensure the health and safety of our guests and staff while operating the pool in a manner that would provide an enjoyable experience for swimmers and their families.”

    For more information, visit plaintownship.org.

    Powell

    Closed for the 2020 Season

    The Powell Pool will remain closed for the 2020 season. Safety, financial implications and the overall swimming experience were the main factors in the OSA Board of Trustees’ decision to keep the pool closed.

    For more information, visit powellpool.com.

    Upper Arlington

    Tremont Pool Opens June 12 / Devon Pool Opens June 15

    The City of Upper Arlington plans to open two of its pools for the summer 2020 season. The Tremont Pool opens June 12 and the Devon Pool opens June 15. The Reed Road Water Park will not open in 2020.

    The pools will be operating on a modified schedule comprised of two-hour sessions for up to 100 patrons per pool per session, with a 30-minute disinfection period between sessions. Reservations and pre-payment must be made online in advance, and are available at noon seven days in advance.

    For more information, visit upperarlingtonoh.gov.

    Westerville

    Closed for the 2020 Season

    On the recommendation from Franklin County Public Health, Westerville will not open its Highlands Park Aquatic Center for the 2020 season. The Westerville Community Center indoor pool is also closed until further notice. The city says that administrators determined a shortened season would not make sense for operations based on pool preparation, staff hiring and training requirements.

    For more information, visit parks.westerville.org.

    Worthington

    Closed for the 2020 Season

    On May 19, the City of Worthington made the decision to keep its pools closed for the 2020 season. In a letter to the community, Board of Directors President Michael Keller estimated social distancing would escalate operating costs while reducing capacity by as much as 50%. Worthington Pools manages three outdoor pools, one indoor pool, and The Lagoon splashpad.

    For more information, visit worthingtonpools.com.

    Zoombezi Bay

    Opens for Gold Members June 19-21, followed by all guests June 22

    Zoombezi Bay has announced dates for its 2020 opening. All Zoombezi Bay visits will now require a dated, timed ticket, including all Season Pass Holders and Gold Members. Guests can begin making advance reservations starting on Tuesday, June 9. Additional details about procedures will be announced on that date as well. The park is expanding its operating season, remaining open through September 7.

    For more information, visit zoombezibay.columbuszoo.org.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Subscribe

    More to Explore:

    Photos: Doo Dah Parade 2023

    Editor’s Note: The annual Doo Dah Parade took place on...

    Virus Triple Threat Looms Over us This Winter

    Ohio health officials are urging caution again this winter. But entering our third holiday season with COVID-19, the nature of those warnings is a bit different.

    Anti-Vax Bill Proposed to Ban COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates in Ohio Colleges

    A bill that would specifically ban mandates for COVID-19 vaccines at colleges and universities in Ohio was introduced last week in a House committee.

    Clarion Call About Long COVID

    According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, Long COVID...
    Susan Post
    Susan Post
    Susan is the editor of The Metropreneur and associate editor of Columbus Underground, and also covers small business and entrepreneurial news and the food scene in Central Ohio.Susan holds a degree in Communication with a minor in Professional Writing from The Ohio State University. She sits on the board of the Central Ohio Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and loves coffee, whiskey, cooking and spending time with friends and family.
    ADVERTISEMENT