Geoff Hubbard, Parks & Recreation Department Director, said the pool is not usually open when it is raining or going to rain during operation hours. Hubbard said the Aquatic Center is also not open on cold days less than 65 degrees.

The Aquatic Center has been trying to stay open and regain its footing post-COVID.

Hubbard said last year the Aquatic Center implemented many measures to prevent any COVID outbreaks.

“Last year, we implemented many changes at the pool to handle the COVID restrictions. Masks were a requirement when waiting in line for admissions and everyone’s temperatures were taken each day including the staff,” Hubbard said, “We cleaned restrooms every hour and other touch points like handles, diving board railing and inner tubes.”

He said the staff at the Aquatic Center is not requiring masks at the pool this year but are doing extra cleanings in the restrooms. Hubbard said the Aquatic Center plans to go back to the way the staff handled things last year if necessary or mandated.

Attendance at the Marshalltown Aquatic Center has been inconsistent throughout the pandemic.

“Last summer our attendance was down about one third from the previous year,” Hubbard said, “our staff had a good plan in place to deal with the extra COVID measures last year and those that came to the pool felt safe and enjoyed their experience at the pool.”

Hubbard said increased attendance as people are still worried about social distancing.

“This summer our attendance has been up from last year but not as good as 2019,” he said, “Some of that has been weather related but I also think there are still people who are concerned about COVID and being around large groups of people.”

This summer the Aquatic Center is offering a variety of activities for Marshalltown residents who want to take their families for a quick splash at the pool.

“We don’t have anything special planned for this summer, just our usual water walking, tot time, and open swim times,” Hubbard said.

The Marshalltown Aquatic Center may close early due to their staff being younger adults but hope to stay open as long as possible.

“We may be closing earlier this summer, on Aug. 8 due to the majority of staff returning to college, attending band and football camps, or other school related activities. We will know more at the end of the month but will try to stay open for as long as we can,” Hubbard said.

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Contact Marquetta Evansat 641-753-6611 or mevans@timesrepublican.com.