The pool opening is quickly nearing and we are all excited to see the facilities open for the 2020 season! The official date of the opening will be Friday, June 19th for both the Shire Lane and Blue Agave Pools. As a reminder, please remember to complete your online pool application for the 2020 season if you have not already done so.
That being said, there are a few items to consider for the pool opening weekend as follows:
- Friday, June 19th: the pools will be open from 11:00am-8:00pm and will operate under Phase 1 restrictions as noted below.
- Saturday, June 20th: the Shire Lane Pool will be hosting the annual Duck Race Event from 9:00am-12:00pm. In order to facilitate, the Shire Lane Pool staff will begin to allow swimmers who are not participating in the Duck Race event to start entering the pool facility at 11:00am. Those who are participating in the Duck Race who arrive prior to 11:00am will be required to leave the pool facility after the event has concluded, and re-enter after signing in and completing the required waiver. Furthermore, we will require the use of wrist bands on this day only, in order to identify those who have properly signed in. Again, all patrons without a wristband after the Duck Race has concluded will be required to vacate the facility, however, can re-enter after completing the process.
- NOTE: Pool facilities will be deep cleaned before opening, and constantly throughout the day by the pool staff. In addition, cleaning stations with sanitizer and cleaning agents for furniture will be provided on the pool decks for your safety and convenience.
As a reminder, the General Assembly has adopted St. Charles Phase 1 protocols as follows:
-Do NOT enter the facility if you have had any symptoms or exposure risks to COVID-19 as listed by the CDC guidelines.
-All patrons must adhere to social distancing guidelines & keep a minimum of 6’ between groups/families until notified otherwise.
-Pool facilities will be limited to 25% of maximum capacity (Shire Lane no more than 170-occupants, Blue Agave no more than 30-occupants). The pool staff will be monitoring capacity limits as necessary, and will NOT permit entry if the limit is reached.
-Due to capacity limits, pool facilities will be reserved for New Town residents only, NO GUESTS, during Phase 1 protocol.
-Residents are encouraged to personal towels for use on pool furniture.
-Pool furniture will be properly spaced for social distancing.
-Waiver forms will be required upon entry. Please allow for extra time to complete the waiver, which will be provided at the pool facility. Waivers will only need to be completed one time for the 2020 season, and will be provided an additional sticker for confirmation.
The General Assembly understands these requirements provide limitations for pool use in respect to residents and guests, however, we must adhere to these protocols in order to promote a safe environment for New Town residents. It is our hope these restrictions will loosen as we move to Phase 2 of the pool opening set forth by the City of St. Charles, and will make considerations for guests at that time based on capacity limits. Accordingly, it is anticipated that capacity will not be breached during Phase 1, however, if capacity limits become a frequent issue, adjustments will be made to the procedure.
In closing we ask all to respect the pool protocols during Phase 1 and will look to make adjustments based on guidance from the City of St. Charles and CDC guidelines as necessary. Thank you in advance, and please contact the General Assembly office with any questions.