Some consider it the unofficial start of summer as the Donner Aquatics Center kicks off its summer season today.
Open swimming will take place on weekdays, from 1 until 6 p.m., while weekend and holiday hours will be noon to 6 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for children 6-17, and $3 for kids 3-5 years old. Infants and toddlers age 2 and under are admitted free.
While COVID-19 won’t close the swimming facility at 739 22nd St. as it did last summer, some precautions are being taken.
For example, a maximum of 250 people, including staff and clients, will be allowed in the pool area at any given time, Associate Director of Recreation Nikki Murphy said. Since nobody can be guaranteed admission if that maximum is reached, no season tickets will be sold this summer, she said.
But a recent change approved by city officials now states that while masks are encouraged, they will not be required at Donner Aquatics Center, Murphy said.
In addition, the Indiana State Department of Health states there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread through pool water within properly-maintained aquatic venues, because the disinfectant (chlorine or bromine) kills the virus when water chemistry and circulation are adequate. Those chemicals also kill viruses on surface materials frequently touched by those in the water, Murphy said.
However, patrons will still be encouraged to observe social distancing while out of the water, Murphy said.
