BOISE, Idaho — Boise city leaders announced that because of the uncertainty surrounding the continued spread of the coronavirus, they will not be opening the city's municipal pools this year.
That word came from the Boise Parks and Recreation Department Friday morning a day after Mayor Lauren McLean mentioned the closure during a press conference Thursday afternoon.
In addition to the COVID-19 uncertainty, officials cited public safety and the cost evaluations of a shortened season as factors in the decision.
“The health and safety of our residents is important – and this was a very tough call,” said Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway. “After taking into consideration the continued protocols surrounding physical distancing and limited group gatherings that will be in place for the foreseeable future, and understanding the impact that would have on our admissions and fiscal accountability, we believe it is the right decision for the city and the community. We know this is disappointing news for many families and we look forward to reopening safely in 2021.”
Idaho COVID-19 latest: Latest news | Map of confirmed Idaho cases | Gov. Little’s plan to reopen Idaho in stages | Stay-at-home order details | COVID-19 resources | Testing sites | Employers hiring | Essential business list | Closings | School closings | Help nonprofits| Golf info | Full COVID-19 coverage
The city of Boise owns and operates six outdoor pools:
- Borah Pool (801 Aurora Drive)
- Fairmont Pool (7929 W. Northview Street)
- Ivywild Pool (2250 S. Leadville Avenue)
- Lowell Pool (1601 N. 28th Street)
- Natatorium Pool and Hydrotube (1725 E. Warm Springs Avenue)
- South Pool (921 S. Shoshone Street)
Since the pools will not be open in 2020 that means there will be no swimming lessons and no Youth Summer Recreational Swim Team.
Roaring Springs: water park will open some time this summer
An opening date for the privately-owned water park in Meridian has not been set. Chief marketing officer Tiffany Quillici says that announcement will come by mid-May.
The management team has been working on a comprehensive reopening plan that includes wellness checks, social distancing, increased cleaning and sanitation. Quillici said the Idaho Dept. of Health and Welfare, Central District Health and the Meridian mayor's office have expressed approval of the plan.
Quillici added the following in a news release on behalf of Roaring Springs: "The Centers for Disease Control states: 'Proper operation, maintenance and disinfection (e.g. with chlorine and bromine) of pools and hot tubs should remove or deactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.' More importantly, Roaring Springs is one of the only aquatic facilities in the Treasure Valley with ultraviolet light on all our pools as an added layer of protection for our guests."
Facts not fear: More on coronavirus
See our latest updates in our YouTube playlist:
At KTVB, we’re focusing our news coverage on the facts and not the fear around the virus. To see our full coverage and the latest COVID-19 case numbers, visit our coronavirus section here: www.ktvb.com/coronavirus
Coronavirus resources:
- Interactive map and timeline tracking Idaho COVID-19 cases
- What's an 'essential' business under the Idaho stay-home order? Gov. Little answers your questions
- Coronavirus resources: Testing sites, at-risk grocery hours in the Treasure Valley
- List of employers hiring during the coronavirus pandemic
- How to help southern Idaho nonprofits or get help during the coronavirus pandemic
Closures:
