Missoula Splash Decks And Spray Pools Remain Closed Due To Coronavirus Restrictions

Press release from the City of Missoula:

July 28, 2020

Parks and Recreation regrets to announce that splash decks and spray pools in area parks will remain closed. Due to stringent COVID-19 restrictions ordered by the state and local public health authorities, and in light of rising infection rates, staffing shortages, and budgetary constraints, Parks officials have determined that opening these facilities is not feasible at this time.

Instead, we have focused on providing high-quality programs and services, while instituting COVID prevention best practices, at Splash, Currents, summer camps and sports where distancing and other protocols can be met effectively.

Families who need financial assistance can receive punch cards or passes to swim at Splash Montana or Currents, call 721-PARK or visit this link for more information. Currents Aquatics Center and Splash Montana are open by reservation only, learn more.

• The state Department of Public Health and Human Services and Missoula City-County Health have determined that the stringent COVID-19 swimming pool regulations also apply to splash decks.
• Some of those COVID-19 regulations include frequent sanitation of all surfaces, masks required where physical distancing is not possible, and group sizes of no more than 50 people. Pods of 50 may not intermingle—a factor that’s almost impossible to control outdoors in a public park.
• To control access, Parks would have to fence off each splash deck and staff the pools daily. The department would also be required to install hand-washing stations and require masks where physical distancing is not possible.
• If the state should move to Phase 3 reopening this summer, Parks will reevaluate the feasibility of opening splash decks and spray pools.

This press release was produced by the City of Missoula. The views expressed here are the author’s own.