Livingston Will Reopen Town Pool After Gov. Murphy’s Go-Ahead

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Livingston has decided to reopen the Mervin T. Haines Pool after Gov. Phil Murphy’s executive order cleared the way earlier this month.

Livingston will reopen the township pool on Friday, June 26. In prior years, the pool would typically open at 1 p.m. daily. However, this year, the pool will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

The lap pool will be open for use by adults and seniors only, while the main pool will be open to all. The snack bar at Haines will be open and will sell only prepackaged food and drinks, township officials said.

“Early bird prices will be in effect throughout the entire summer, and residents can visit livingstonnj.org/Pools for rates and more information,” said Ron Barbella, Athletic and Aquatic Services program supervisor.

“Northland pool will remain closed to the public for the time being,” Barbella said. “If there is a surge in membership that supports opening the second pool location, Northland will be opened to the public.”

All pool patrons must present a pool ID in order to enter the facility. Member guests will be allowed with the appropriate guest passes, however, the member bringing the guests must provide a member form for each guest. The form is available both online and at the pool entrance, officials said.

COVID-19 GUIDELINES

According to town officials, Livingston’s pool policies and procedures will follow updated COVID-19 guidelines, including limiting pool attendance to 50 percent of capacity. All pool staff members will receive a daily health screening that will include documented temperature checks before every shift.

At both pool locations, a separate entrance and exit will be specified, and 6-foot spacing will be designated at both the entrance and exit. The entrance to Haines pool will remain on the left of the facility in its original location. The only exit, however, will be located at the gates to the left of the snack bar. There will be no public seating, members are encouraged to bring their own chairs, officials said.

Credit cards will be accepted at the pool facilities in order to limit physical interactions, although cash is still being accepted. In addition, signage will be posted prominently reminding those in the facility to utilize proper hand washing and hygiene, practice social distancing, be alert for the signs of COVID-19 illness, and stay home if exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, officials said.

The sanitization routine at the pool will also get kicked up a notch, officials said:

“Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting procedures will be used at the facilities, along with frequently sanitizing areas open to the public. Hand sanitizer stations will also be provided throughout the facilities. Those entering the pool will be required to use hand sanitizer upon entry and are encouraged to use hand sanitizer throughout their time in the facility. In addition, all public shared seating and tables will be removed from both pool complexes; members are encouraged to bring their own properly chairs.”

SHOWERS AND RESTROOMS

Foot coverings will be required within the restrooms, shower area, and locker rooms. Occupancy in restrooms, shower areas, and locker rooms will be limited to the number of stalls at each location.

In addition, social distancing must be maintained and masks must be work inside the facilities, officials said.

MASKS

Cloth face coverings should not be put on children under age two because of the danger of suffocation. Face coverings will not be allowed in the water due to the increased risk of drowning. However, masks should be worn by those over age 2 whenever they are in the restrooms, in shower areas, in locker rooms, or are walking through public areas or not in the water, town officials said.

Lifeguards will not wear a face covering while actively on lifeguard duty. However, they are encouraged to wear a mask or cloth face covering when they are not on duty and cannot maintain six-foot social distancing, officials stated.

“Residents are encouraged to visit livingstonnj.org/Pools to find more information about our pools and our COVID-19 Outdoor Pool Standards and Pool Operations Prevention Plan,” Barbella said. “COVID-19 has made some significant changes in our lives. We’re pleased to be able to open up the town pool this summer as we continue taking the proper steps to keep those using our pool facilities safe.”

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