Morris Swim Pool Delayed Opening For 2020

Press release from the Township of Morris:

June 2, 2020

Swim Pool Delayed Opening for 2020

As we enter the month of June we are still waiting on guidance from Governor Murphy and the New Jersey State Department of Health on when, and if, community swimming pools will be permitted to open for the 2020 swim season. Our number one priority for 2020 is to operate our swimming pools in a safe and responsible manner for all members, consistent with any public recreational bathing orders which may be issued.

Unfortunately, our planned opening for the weekend of June 6th and dates thereafter will be delayed until we receive further operational permission, and review the requirements, for safe opening during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the incidence of the COVID-19 virus has certainly been reduced by the Stay-At-Home order in effect, the advisability of large numbers of people gathering at any outdoor public recreation facility is still under review by the State.

At this time we are setting an expectation that community swimming pools will not be able to open until after July 4th. We are also anticipating a number of operational requirements for members coming to our Morris Township swim pools based on recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and other rules, regulations and Executive Order precedents. These special requirements to facilitate member safety may include:

1. Restrictions on daily entrance capacities based on total usable deck and lawn areas at each pool
2. Mandatory social distancing when on the lawns and deck, and also while in the water.
3. Maintaining appropriate social distancing while in line waiting to enter the pools
4. Individual temperature screening of all members before entering the pool entrance gate
5. Restrictions on or the elimination of guest admissions
6. Closure of high-touch amenities and areas where social distancing would be difficult to achieve
7. Elimination of common area picnic tables, benches, and chase lounges- only permitting personal lawn chairs (no chase lounges) to be brought into the pool complex.
8. Facial coverings mandatory when not using the pools
9. Very limited access to, and restricted time of use of, lap swimming lanes.
10. Limited times for use of slides and diving boards, with 6 foot social distance line-up requirements
11. No birthday parties or special celebrations

As we mentioned in our earlier communication to members about the 2020 swim pool season, our staff will be increasing sanitation efforts for the bathhouses and other high-touch points around the pools to reduce virus exposure potential.

The Township continues to process swim pool membership. The Early Bird fees for all categories of membership have been extended by the Morris Township Committee to June 15th, and we are recommending a further extension to June 30, 2020. For individuals who have previously paid their 2020 membership fees but who are uncertain, unwilling or uncomfortable participating under the new requirements that we will be facing, we will issue full refunds upon request until the pool is open for ten days.

Depending on the State’s further guidance about opening swimming pools, we plan to pro-rate 2020 seasonal membership fees based on the percentage of lost operational hours from June 6th to a newly announced opening date. If you have already paid your 2020 membership, you will receive a refund for the pro-rated amount.

It is our sincere hope that communities across New Jersey will be authorized to open their pools this summer. We look forward to welcoming our members back to Streeter and Ginty Pools to enjoy our outstanding facilities in the safest possible swimming environment.

Thank you for your patience while we navigate through completely uncharted waters for our community pools.

Bill Foelsch, Director of Parks & Recreation

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