One of Oil City’s most popular venues may not open this summer due to the coronavirus pandemic.
City officials are mulling over whether to open the public swimming pool as a result of social distancing and stay-at-home directives issued statewide as well as nationally.
“Because of the necessary preparation time leading up to the official opening of the James A. Nelles Memorial Swimming Pool, we are starting the planning process earlier than normal,” the city said in a public statement. “The hiring of lifeguards and concession staff, chemical procurement and food purchases are just a few of the many items involved in municipal pool operations.”
City officials will determine in the near future whether the pool will open for the 2020 season.
“We anticipate that the president and the governor will be making a series of announcements in the latter part of April as to what additional guidelines and restrictions will be put in place,” the city noted.
Once the guidelines are announced, the city will make a decision in early May as to opening the pool.
In thanking the public for its past patronage of the pool, the city added, “We are hopeful that regardless as to what may happen in the summer of 2020, you will continue to use and enjoy the pool in the upcoming years.”
