Schifferdecker Aquatic Center to open June 15 with new guidelines, other pool opening dates uncertain

The swimming season will start a little late in the City of Joplin due to the shutdown forced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

City Parks and Recreation Director Paul Bloomberg announced during the COVID-19 briefing this morning that Schifferdecker Aquatic Center will open June 15, but the lack of lifeguards has made the opening date for the other pools uncertain.

The normal procedures used in hiring lifeguards had to be put on hold due to the pandemic, Bloomberg said. Applications are being taken.







Increased sanitation will take place at Schifferdecker. Bloomberg said he had been working with the Health Department, the Center for Disease Control and Red Cross (which trains the lifeguards) in preparation for the opening.

In addition to the enhanced sanitation, employees will be screened daily for signs of illness and the capacity at the center will be reduced.

Those using the center will need to comply with social distancing, excepting those who live in the same household.