After sailing the Woodland Park pool for more than three decades, or, more precisely, anchored in the aquatics center, it’s come time to remove the pirate ship, the “USS Woodland.”
Deputy Director of Enterprise for Lexington Parks and Recreation Michael Johnson said the piece of aquatic equipment is showing its age with rusted fastners and other deterioration. Johnson said a replacement probably won’t come until next summer and it might not be a pirate ship.
“We’ve opened it up to any design ideas. Obviously that ship is well-loved and iconic to Woodland Park, but we’re going to evaluate several different options and make the decisions once we see what those options are,” said Johnson
Lexington’s six public swimming pools are scheduled to open the end of May. Southland, Woodland, Shillito, Castlewood, Tates Creek, and Douglas pools plan to open May 29. Michael Johnson noted state guidance on COVID related measures could change by then. “We are looking to try to see how we can serve the most people with those limited capacities. It’s based on square footage of pool area. One swimmer for every 50 square feet. So, as we get closer and see if any of the guidance changes we’ve been making those decisions how we can make sure we service as many citizens as possible,” explained Johnson
Johnson said four splash-pads, two at Lexington pools and two self-standing at local parks will open in the next few weeks.
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