By Conrad Dudderar
Senior Staff Writer
After an extended shutdown caused by COVID-19, one City of Yukon pool is back open helping “cool off” locals this summer.
City Splash Pool, behind the Yukon Community Center at 2200 S Holly, debuted on Saturday, June 20. The City’s other pool, Kimbell Bay at Kimbell Park, will remain closed this summer.
The pool opening was delayed this year because of the pandemic. It took several weeks to hire certified lifeguards and other staff members for the rest of the summer.
Despite the late start, Yukon residents are well pleased City Splash is back.
“We’ve had a pretty overwhelming response,” City of Yukon Recreation Superintendent Quincy Rinkle reported. “People are very glad it’s open.
“Our attendance has been pretty steady just about every day. The first couple days it was a little slow, but it’s continued to build.”
Although only one City of Yukon swimming pool is open this summer, people are taking advantage of the recreation opportunity. City Splash offers ample space, a covered pavilion and large slide.
“Come and have fun,” Rinkle advised the public. “Enjoy a cool spot to relax and have a good time.”
City Splash is closed Friday and Saturday, July 3-4 for the holiday but will return Sunday, July 6.
Regular pool hours are Sunday from 1-5 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday 1-7 p.m., Friday from 1-5 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The pool is closed Monday.
City Splash will remain open through Sunday, Aug. 9.
Pool admission is $3 for anyone age 4 and above, $2 for senior citizens and free for children 3 and under. There are no season passes this year because of the shortened swim season and only one pool being open.
KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
City Splash staff is encouraging swimmers and sun-bathers to practice that all-important social distancing while at the pool.
“We’re constantly sanitizing and wiping things down and have hand-sanitizer stations out there for everyone,” Rinkle said.
Although City Splash lifeguards don’t wear masks while perched atop their stands, pool concession staff are donning the face coverings.
Private pool rentals will start July 10 for anyone interested in having a birthday party, team party or other special event at City Splash on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (5:30-7 p.m. and 7:15-8:45 p.m.). Call the YCC at 354-8442 to rent the pool.
Yukon Parks & Recreation also offers morning and evening water aerobics classes starting July 6 at City Splash. Participants can improve their overall fitness while staying cool in the pool.
Morning classes will be 8:30-9:45 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Evening classes will be 7:15-8:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Cost is $45 and water shoes are required.
Register in person at the YCC or online at http://www.yukon.gov/catalog
City Splash isn’t the only City of Yukon aquatics destination this summer. Also opening recently was the Sunrise Splash Pad at Sunrise Park, 550 S Yukon Parkway.
This unique spray ground water feature – which requires no lifeguards – is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information, call 354-8442.
