Seven of Raleigh's public pools reopen with coronavirus restrictions

Raleigh officials announced Thursday afternoon that most of its indoor and outdoor public pools will reopen July 6, but with limited capacity.

Posted 6:13 p.m. Jun 25, 2020 — Updated 12:03 p.m. Jul 6, 2020

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

, Go Ask Mom editor

RALEIGH, N.C. — Raleigh officials announced Thursday afternoon that most of its indoor and outdoor public pools will reopen July 6, but with limited capacity.

Millbrook Aquatic Center, Optimist Aquatic Center, Pullen Aquatic Center, Biltmore Pool, Lake Johnson Pool, Longview Pool and Ridge Road Pool will open, according to the city's announcement. Buffaloe Road Aquatic Center, which includes a three-story water slide, vortex and lazy river, along with the city's sprayground areas, will remain closed.

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The openings come with new safety measures and policies that are intended to keep swimmers and staffers healthy. All facilities will have reduced capacity and swimmers are encouraged to bring their own chairs. Face masks also are required when not in the water and social distancing is not possible.

Wellness checks, which include a few questions and a temperature check with a touchless thermometer, will be required prior to admission, according to the city.

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"If anyone in your household does not clear the screening, no one in the group will be allowed to enter," according to the city.

Swimmers will be limited to 75-minute sessions with specific start times, so staff can clean throughout the day. You can reserve your space online on the city's website or by calling the pool. Limited space will be reserved for walk-ins, according to the city.

More information, including how to reserve online or contact the individual pools, is on the city's website. Admission fees are $2 for Raleigh residents, $3 for non-residents and free for kids ages 12 and under.

Public pools across the Triangle typically open between Memorial Day and mid-June, but officials have delayed the season to assess safety requirements from public health authorities and make adjustments. In mid-June, Knightdale opened its community pool and Wake Forest opened its sprayground. Wake Forest will open its Holding Park Aquatic Center on July 1.

But in Durham, city officials opted not to open indoor and outdoor pools at all this summer, citing logistical challenges that would limit the number of residents who could safely go swimming.

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