BUCYRUS — Public swimming pools are opening throughout Crawford County.

The Heise Park Swimming Pool originally was scheduled to open Saturday but due to an issue with one of the pumps, only the Splash Park in Galion was able to open that day.

According to Matt Echelberry, communications director for the City of Galion, the pump at the Heise Park Swimming Pool has been replaced and the Ohio Department of Health has approved the pool to open. It opened Tuesday at 1 p.m.

“You’ve been patient, and we do not want to delay any longer than necessary,” Echelberry said. “Hours are Monday-Friday from 1-7, and Saturday and Sunday from 1-5. We are asking guests to cooperate with staff and follow posted signage for changes in operations due to COVID-19.”

According to a previous press release from Echelberry, the CDC states there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 can spread through water but the Ohio Department of Health has issued several guidelines for use of pools and aquatic facilities.

Echelberry said that while there is no reduced capacity, staff will ensure guests are able to maintain six feet of physical distancing.

“Guests will need to sign in at the admission gate, so please anticipate a longer wait than normal,” he said. “Staff will clean surfaces, railings, and restrooms every 20 minutes. Shower rooms will be closed and there will be no self-service in the concession area.”

For guests, mandatory practices include:

  • Maintain 6 feet of physical distance while in the pool, in lounge areas, or standing in line for admission/concessions.
  • Do not swim or gather in groups of more than 10.
  • Stay home if you do not feel well.

Recommended practices for guests are:

  • Wear a mask or face covering when on the pool deck, entering buildings, or interacting near other pool guests. Masks should be removed prior to swimming as wet masks can cause difficulty breathing.
  • Practice good personal hygiene including washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, using hand sanitizer, etc.
  • Bring your own lawn chairs. Pool chairs will be available, but guests must sanitize them before and after use.

Rentals will be available on weekend evenings. Splash Park hours are Monday through Sunday from 1-7 p.m. Please note the facilities will close on days in which the air temperature is below 71 degrees or when there is rain and/or lightning.

Admission for the Splash Park will continue to be free. Pool fees will remain the same as last year; to purchase season passes or schedule a private rental, contact the Galion Community Center YMCA at 419-468-7754.

According to Crestline Village Administrator John Rostash, the Crestline Pool will open June 12 and the hours will be Monday-Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Social distancing guidelines will be enforced.

In Bucyrus, Mayor Jeff Reser is planning to open the Aumiller Park Pool as soon as possible.

“We began filling the pool today (Tuesday) and had the electrical service inspected,” Reser said. “Tomorrow, we will be filling the chemical tanks and testing them. If all goes as planned, then it is just a matter of being inspected by the Ohio Board of Health and we don’t know how long we will have to wait for the inspection since they have cut inspectors due to budget issues.”

He said he will know more about a potential opening date by the end of this week.

“We are preparing the mandatory signage as directed by Dr. Acton,” Reser said. “We will be limiting the capacity of the pool and deck area to 150 people per order of the Ohio Board of Health.”

He said that means the city will not allow any more than 150 people into the pool area at one time.

“As of now, we are planning two shifts: 1-3:30 and 4-6:30. We will be sanitizing at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Swimmers will be asked to leave at 3:30 and a new group will enter at 4 p.m.,” Reser said.

He said 150 people are allowed for each session so 300 people may be served per day maximum.

“This is in keeping with the order of The Ohio Board of Health. While in the pool and surrounding area, everyone will be required to maintain six feet social distancing except for family units,” Reser said. “It will be challenging but these procedures will allow us to keep everyone safer and will also allow us to serve the most swimmers as possible during the day.”

Reser said cement that had been poured last year had failed over the winter and was repaired last week.