Avon Aquatic Facility joins pools closed this summer, other facilities waiting

AVON — The Avon Aquatic Facility will remain closed all summer as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Bryan Jensen announced Monday. There is no evidence that coronavirus can spread through the water in well-maintained swimming pools, Jensen said, but enforcing social distancing and properly sanitizing surfaces at the facility would be nearly impossible. "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," he said in a statement. "Ultimately, the health and safety of everyone who lives in our city must be the priority." In addition to the potential health hazards of opening a pool during the pandemic, Avon faced a challenge in hiring and training the lifeguards and seasonal workers needed to operate the aquatic facility. Anyone who bought a 2020 season pool pass will receive a full refund. Avon's pool joins Elyria's in being closed this summer, where facilities are non-operational due to the suspension of the Elyria Parks and Recreation Department. Wellington closed its recreation park, including its splash pad until further notice, Mayor Hans Schneider said. Some other local aquatic facilities are taking a wait-and-see approach, hoping for specific state guidance to be issued soon. That is the case for Lorain County Metro Parks and its swimming facilities — the Splash Zone in Oberlin and the Mercy Health Amherst Healthplex. Assistant Director Jennifer Bracken said she is hoping for state guidance on how to handle indoor and outdoor pools, splash pads and beaches in the next couple of weeks. As weather turns warmer, the county parks are getting more calls about water-based facilities and activities, and Bracken said it's simply too early for any clear answers. Avon Lake's Parks and Recreation Department announced in a recent news release that the opening of the Ellen Trivanovich Aquatic Center remains undetermined, pending more information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the health department. Pool passes are still being sold, but they will be refundable if the pool does not open, and the cost of a pool pass will not increase on May 15 as previously planned. At least one Lorain County city is currently planning to open its aquatic facility this summer. Amherst Mayor Mark Costilow said he hopes to open the Anna Schmauch Memorial Pool at Maude Neiding Park on June 15. It would have reduced capacity and only day passes would be sold. Those plans are still being finalized, Costilow said, and the date could be moved. Contact Jason Hawk at (440) 329-7122 or news@lcnewspapers.com. Contact Dylan Reynolds at (440) 329-7123 or dreynolds@chroniclet.com. Follow him on Twitter @drey1357.