Avon pool closing was difficult decision in this coronavirus summer - cleveland.com

simpanta.blogspot.com

AVON, Ohio -- A letter to residents from Mayor Bryan Jensen reflects the difficult decision to keep the Avon Aquatic Center closed for the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“After a great deal of review and discussion with healthcare professionals, I have reluctantly decided that our Avon Aquatic Facility must remain closed this summer because of the COVID-19 pandemic," he wrote.

“This is one of many difficult decisions we’re all having to make as we work together to end the spread of the virus.

“I know how important, and fun, our Avon pool and the related recreation activities are to our community and how disappointing this decision will be to kids and parents alike,” he said.

Jensen said he has two young grandchildren who frequent the aquatic center. “As a grandparent … I know how disappointed they will be.”

The safety questions became the epic issue upon which the decision had to be made.

“While some may not agree, the risk of opening the pool and fostering the spread of the virus far outweighs the consequences of not opening. Ultimately, the health and safety of everyone who lives in our city must be the priority," Jensen said.

“We are one of the many communities in Northeast Ohio, across the state and nation that have made this decision. That doesn’t make it any easier.”

Social distancing seems to be the linchpin leading Avon and other communities to make the decision to close their pools.

“The main issue here is the challenge of practicing safe social distancing at busy, popular spots like our aquatic facility," Jensen said. "There is no evidence that coronavirus can be spread through the water in pools with aggressive disinfecting and maintenance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, the CDC stresses that social distancing and other measures to contain the spread of the virus would be absolutely essential at pools.

“Enforcing social distancing at a swimming pool would be difficult, if not impossible," he said. "And it’s simply not realistic to think we could sanitize often enough to confidently stop the spread of the virus in our dressing rooms and restrooms, as well as on pool ladders, slides, diving boards, lounge chairs, the snack bar and the many other busy public areas at our aquatic facility.”

Other problems that contributed to the closing of the pool were “challenges hiring and training lifeguards and the other seasonal workers we need under these conditions," he said.

City Service Director Mike Farmer, who oversees the recreation department, said: “It was a tough decision. It weighed heavy on us. The mayor made a good decision. I support the mayor. There are so many costs, too, to operate with less people and all the requirements for safety.

"I know (the mayor) has a heavy heart about it. The community elects you, and you want to do all the right things for them. It’s tough.”

Farmer said the city is looking for alternatives. “(Recreation Coordinator Clare Harasimchuk) is looking for other opportunities to offer residents. We are hoping (soon) for more information. We are hoping to offer some small-group programming, particularly for families.”

Jensen said, “I join you in looking forward to the day when we can all be together again to safely enjoy the many wonderful recreational, social and family activities the City of Avon offers.”

For more information, visit https://www.cityofavon.com/178/Parks-Recreation or call the recreation department at 440-937-4090.

Read more from the Sun Sentinel.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

"difficult" - Google News
June 08, 2020 at 07:58PM
https://ift.tt/2MF4v1N

Avon pool closing was difficult decision in this coronavirus summer - cleveland.com
"difficult" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2VWzYBO
https://ift.tt/3d5eskc

Bagikan Berita Ini