TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)- Deming Pool opened back up to the public for the first time this summer since the COVID-19 pandemic started earlier this year.
Park officials set social distancing and sanitary guidelines, such as spacing pool chairs and picnic tables 6 feet apart and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
Park officials say the measures are in place to decrease the spread of germs and the coronavirus.
“We’re taking extra disinfecting precautions of those areas and the restrooms. All the staff, pool staff, is required to wear masks when they’re not in their guard chairs,” said Ashley Tyler, Director of Recreation for Terre Haute Parks and Recreation.
Due to Vigo Co. Health Department guidelines, restrictions were placed on the amount of occupants allowed to enter the pool.
“We had to make sure we had all the new disinfecting equipment, hand sanitizers we had set out front. We had to make sure that the chairs were labeled and signs up to remind people that it is still around,” Tyler said.
Several pool visitors said they were just excited to get out the house.
“It’s really hot so I’m excited to get in the water cause there’s no water parks open anywhere,” Jesse Rose said.
“I am excited that the pool is open I’ve been counting down the days all summer,” Thomas Butts said.
“My daughter to be able to go swimming. She’s been wanting to swim for a while. So this is her first time here. So this should be exciting for her and it’ll be exciting for me too because it’s hot and we get to be in some cool water and I can hopefully get a tan,” Nakeitha Tyler said.
Park officials said the virus and the new rules are unusual for everyone, but it’s for everyone’s safety.
“We just ask that when you come out that you have fun and just be patient with us,” Tyler said.
