The pool season officially opens this weekend in a number of central Kentucky communities, with capacity and hours of operation restrictions. It may not be a factor on opening day Saturday with highs predicted only up around 60 degrees.
In Lexington, Michael Johnson with Parks and Recreation said the availability of lifeguards is a national issue. Johnson noted there are still opportunities for lifeguard training. “So, we’re still continuing to recruit and train lifeguards. And, as our lifeguard numbers go up, our pool hours will increase and our hope is to get back to normal hours of operation,” said Johnson.
Four Lexington pools are opening this weekend with plans for all six to take swimmers next weekend. COVID concerns kept Richmond’s Paradise Cove Aquatic Facility closed last summer.
Richmond Director of Recreation and Administration Erin Moore said there will be two swimming sessions each day with online pre-registration required no earlier than the day before. “We thought that this might be the best way to accommodate multiple people and, if people came to the pool on the day of they would not have to stand in line and then be turned away if we reached capacity.” Explained Moore.
Priscilla Bloom with Berea Parks and Recreation said reduced hours and limits on swimmers helps when dealing with a current shortage of lifeguards.
Pool Schedules for Lexington, Richmond, and Berea.
Lexington-Southland, Castlewood and Tates Creek pools hours will be 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday – Saturday, and 1 – 6 p.m. on Sunday. Woodland, Shillito and Douglass pools will be open 1 – 6 p.m. daily. Castlewood, Southland, Tates Creek and Woodland pools open Saturday, May 29. Shillito and Douglass pools open Saturday, June 5.
Richmond's Cove Paradise Aquatic Facility-Monday – Saturday 11:00AM – 2:30PM and 3:30PM – 7:00PM • Sunday 1:00PM – 3:00PM and 4:00PM – 6:00PM
Berea's Pool and Splashpad- Monday through Saturday- 11:00 a.m. to 2:00pm and 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
On Sunday - 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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