DC Pools, Spray Parks Will Not Open This Summer

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Despite the sweltering heat blanketing the D.C. area recently, public pools will not open this summer due to the coronavirus. The city announced that the parks and recreation department will keep 21 outdoor pools across the District closed for health and safety reasons. Spray parks and indoor aquatic centers also will not open.

The pools, aquatic centers and spray parks have been closed during Phase 2 of the city's reopening and cannot reopen until the city enters Phase 3. Officials have not indicated when that third phase will begin.

"We understand residents look forward to escaping the summer heat at our pools. Out of an abundance of caution, and in consultation with the District’s public health experts, we have decided to prioritize the health and safety of residents,” Delano Hunter, director of D.C.’s department of public recreation, said in a statement.

The pools now will undergo a winterization process, including draining and covering the pools.