COVID-19 might shut down Watertown’s Aquatic Center for the entire summer (Audio)

May 18, 2020
Mike Tanner

WATERTOWN, S.D.—The city of Sioux Falls announced Monday that it’s outdoor swimming pools will remain closed all summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Watertown could follow suit with a similar announcement.

Although no official decision has been made yet, it’s looking unlikely that Watertown’s Aquatic Center will open at all this summer.

Parks and Recreation Director Terry Kelly told the city council Monday night that CDC guidelines on reopening pools in the midst of a pandemic are arduous, and at this point, it’s unlikely Watertown’s outdoor pool will open…

Councilman Ried Holien says from a businesses standpoint, it’s probably best to keep the Aquatic Center closed…

Kelly says at the present time, it’s looking like the outdoor pool wouldn’t be able to open until mid-June at the earliest. It would have to close by mid-August as students get ready to return to school., and opening up the pool for a short 60-day window doesn’t make economic sense.