(Updated: Video, Facility Supervisor Comments)
The pool operation changes according to the guidelines of the district
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Juniper Swim & Fitness Center lets the air into the pool. When Deschutes County returned to the extreme risk category for COVID-19, new guidelines were set for indoor recreational facilities. The center is making adjustments to accommodate community members and comply with guidelines, including removing the pool roof earlier than usual.
The facility’s indoor pool is transformed into an outdoor pool for the summer months – the roof is coming off. Usually the roof is removed closer to summer when the weather is warmer. However, this is the earliest year the pool has been converted to an outdoor facility (coincidentally after a near-record-breaking warm Thursday day, with highs in the 80s).
“When we heard we were going to move to the Red Plains in Deschutes County, we pretty much put our hands on deck. We said we should bring the sides and ends down and let people swim,” said Clare Gordon. Juniper Swim & Fitness Center facility supervisor on Friday.
The sides of the pool peeled off on Friday, with the roof having to be removed Sunday through Tuesday. The pool is closed during this time. Removing the tent creates more space and allows better airflow. Gordon said they are glad they can do this so community members can still come and swim.
“I think the impact we saw on the community in our closure and the importance this facility has to our community really motivates us to stay open and offer programs to this community,” she said. “You know – water is very healing when people can swim or get in the water and do sports. It’s really important for people’s health and families to relax in an outdoor area and have children in the water. Children have access on water is very important to us. “
Gordon says people who use the pool regularly were concerned that it would close. With the change, a limited number of people will be able to swim in 55-minute sessions – but reservations will be required.
The delphinium community center will also be open, but with only six people in each part of the building. Some fitness classes also take place outside. Swimming lessons and other activities were canceled for at least a week. The governor will reassess the risk levels weekly.
The following changes for Bend Park & Rec under extreme risk:
- Kids Inc, Art Station, and most youth enrichment programs continue unchanged.
- Outdoor sports will continue with a maximum capacity of 100 people per field including parents and spectators.
- The pavilion remains open for roller sports and open skates with a maximum capacity of 100 people.
- Staff are accelerating the removal of the Juniper Swim & Fitness Center’s pool cover so that the pool can operate as an outdoor facility and continue to provide up-to-date programs.
- The delphinium community center will remain open but is limited to 6 guests in each part of the building. The sessions are also limited to 45 minutes as instructed.
- Classes and activities will be changed in accordance with updated guidelines from health authorities.
- Some fitness classes are being relocated to outdoor options at the Larkspur Community Center and The Pavilion.
- Virtual fitness classes will continue to be broadcast.
- Some programs and activities, including swimming lessons, will be canceled for a week and reassessed weekly.
