Due to uncertainties surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic, the Plainfield Park District has suspended its 2020 swim season at the Ottawa Street Pool.
The pool, at 23820 W Ottawa St., was set to open for the start of the summer 2020 season over Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25.
With the Illinois Stay at Home order ending May 29, and the uncertainty of the impact of social distancing restrictions on pool operations, the Park District Board of Commissioners voted to suspend the season this week.
Park District Executive Director Carlo Capalbo said the decision was difficult to make as the stay at home order’s end would fall after the traditional summer opening weekend and would not have given the District enough time to prepare and fill the pool, pass its health department inspection, hire and certify lifeguards, and complete safety training for summer staff. Additionally, the Restore Illinois Plan for phases 3 and 4 puts restrictions in place limiting the number of guests that would be allowed to gather at the pool.
Capalbo said that the District continues to meet with the heads of local agencies to coordinate the safest plan for reopening other operations and facilities after the May 29 stay at home deadline ends and based on the 5-phase Restore Illinois plan released by the Governor’s office.
Everyone who purchased a season pool pass or paid for summer swim lessons will automatically receive a refund.
“As disappointing as this news is, it’s the right decision for the health and safety of our residents,” said Capalbo.
“We hope we’re able to re-open our other facilities and restart a portion of our summer programming just as soon as we can safely do so,” he said.
