FITCHBURG — The summer has begun and residents searching for socially distant ways to beat the heat can turn to the city’s splash parks and the Gustave Johnson Memorial State Pool.
Recreation Director Nathan LaRose said the city will have both splash parks open this summer and the state pool is already operating. However, the J. Robert Crowley Swimming Complex will remain closed for the season.
LaRose said the city will not be opening the swimming complex and the annual Summer Playground Program will also not be operating in parks this year.
He said the city chose to close the pool for a number of reasons.
“During the typical setup period for the pool it was not yet determined if opening the pool would be an option,” LaRose said. “This limited the city’s ability to begin prep work for opening.”
LaRose said the financial burden of operating a pool that many residents might not utilize because of the COVID-19 pandemic was also a deciding factor.
Knowing the state would be operating the Gustave Johnson Memorial Pool this summer, the city decided to close its pool for the season.
LaRose said the Splash Pad at Crocker Playground is now open from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and, while the park will not be staffed, children can press the blue and yellow activators to turn on the water.
The Splash Park at Parkhill Park will open in the coming weeks once the city finishes on-boarding staff, LaRose said.
There are several restrictions that come with the parks opening, including social distancing, hand washing, and face masks.
Residents who feel sick or are recovering from an illness are asked not to visit park facilities.
Face coverings will be required by the public when visiting the parks, though residents are advised not to wear a face mask when playing in splash parks. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control advises that cloth face coverings make it difficult to breathe when wet.
Individuals shouldn’t touch any equipment, toys, balls, or material other than their own. Residents must retrieve their own equipment as well.
Residents who use the park do so at their own risk.
The Gustave Johnson Memorial State Pool opened for the season and operates from 11:15 am. to 6:45 p.m. every day.
