June 1, 2020 – Following a unanimous 5-0 vote by the Midland City Council on Monday, May 18, City of Midland Parks and Recreation will not reopen Plymouth Pool for the 2020 season.
Ongoing public health concerns related to the global COVID-19 pandemic and delays in the City’s pool opening process due to current executive orders contributed to the decision.
“In the current environment, we believe that attempting to open the Plymouth Pool and our spray parks would be both fiscally and personally irresponsible,“ said Director of Public Services Karen Murphy. “Opening a public pool safely and effectively takes months of preparation to hire and train qualified lifeguards and pool staff, conduct maintenance, prepare for and pass health inspections, and more, all of which we’ve been unable to do under current executive orders. Attempting to complete these processes during a drastically shortened swimming season is not financially feasible. This reality, combined with a deep concern for the health and safety of our residents in the midst of a global pandemic, led us to make this difficult decision.”
While the Gerstacker and Longview spray park and water features at Thrune Park remain closed at this time, they may reopen subject to future executive orders and public health directives from the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Despite some recreational closures, the City anticipates it will still be able to provide many of its summer recreation programs, including Walk Midland, Tunes by the Tridge, and its summer recreational softball and beach volleyball leagues in accordance with current social distancing guidelines and public health directives. More information on these programs will be shared at a later date.
For more information on City Parks and Recreation and an informational video on this closure, please visit www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/recreation.
The City will continue to monitor public health information regarding COVID-19 and will reassess and alter its response as needed.
For the latest updates and information regarding the statewide response to COVID-19, please visit www.michigan.gov/coronavirus.