T-R photo by Thomas Nelson Water walkers make their way around Marshalltown Aquatic Center’s lazy river Tuesday around noon.

This Fourth of July will make more of a splash.

After several months of preparation the Marshalltown Aquatic Center will begin its second phase of reopening. Starting on July 4, residents will be able play in the pool once again.

“We want everyone to know there will be some extra procedures in place for this summer due to COVID-19, and hope our patrons are patient upon entering the facility and courteous to the other patrons once inside,” said Geoff Hubbard, Parks & Recreation Director.

Swimmers will need to have temperatures checked before coming in the center. Deck chairs have been removed, so patrons will need to bring their chairs.

The Aquatic Center will have extra sanitizing procedures in place.

There will be a limit on tubes in the lazy river. No double tubes will be allowed this year.

Hubbard encourages social distancing in and out of the pool.

The restrooms will be closed for 10 minutes every hour for sanitizing, and there will be limited concessions.

The first phase of the Aquatic Center’s reopening was on June 15, after the Marshalltown City Council decided to open the pool for the season.

Several other municipal pools around the state have closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The center will open from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the weekend.

The pool is still under phase one restrictions until July 4.

“We are excited to open the Aquatic Center starting July 4 for open swimming,” Hubbard said. “If everyone can follow these guidelines, we think we can provide a safe and fun pool season for the community.”

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Contact Thomas Nelson at 641-753-6611 or tnelson@timesrepublican.com