Lincoln Park Aquatics Center to Remain Closed for 2020 Season

Mayor Scott Schertzer is announcing that Lincoln Park Aquatics Center will not open for the 2020 season. 

This decision is coming about due to the Responsible RestartOhio protocols that were issued by Governor Mike DeWine.  Through the various protocols and requirements issued through the State, the total capacity for the number of individuals permitted at the Aquatic Center has been significantly reduced this season, while at the same time requiring increased staffing levels to ensure compliance with cleaning, disinfecting, and safety-related portions of the protocol.

Schertzer stated, “This decision has come after extensively reviewing the Responsible RestartOhio protocols, the increased staffing to meet the required protocols, as well as the monetary impact this will financially have on the City’s general fund.  Enforcing social distancing as required by the Responsible RestartOhio protocols would be difficult, if not impossible.  To require children to remain six-feet apart is not practical, especially while in the pool.  Additionally, it is not realistic to think we could enforce many of the requirements included in the protocol.  I met with Parks Superintendent Mike Cheney to review information and we feel that managing our pool within the guidelines established is still a high risk, not in the best interest of our community, and would be fiscally irresponsible for us to open the Aquatics Center at this time.”