Welch, Park Forest pools set to open next weekend. Here’s what to expect
Two more Centre County public pools — Welch and Park Forest — are set to open next week, although swimmers should notice a few changes due to concerns surrounding COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
The two pools, overseen by the Centre Region Parks & Recreation Authority, will officially open June 27 and will be capped at half capacity. The pools will open at 10 a.m. on the weekend for adult lap swim and toddler time, before shifting over to general swim from noon to 8 p.m.
Among the changes due to the coronavirus, per the municipal website:
- No camps, private groups, or rentals will be permitted
- Patrons are expected to maintain the CDC recommended 6-feet of distance between them and non-household members both in and out of the pools
- No patio furniture or lounge chairs will be available for patron use. Patrons are encouraged to bring their own chairs
- The diving boards, water slides and wibit will not be available for use
- The only available concessions will be bottled water. Patrons may bring their own food and drinks; no glass, no alcohol
- Additional sanitation and cleaning will be completed by staff every two hours while the pools are open
On weekdays, adult lap swim will be held from 7 to 9 a.m., with adult lap swim and family time (children 10 and younger) held from 9 a.m. to noon. General swim will take place from noon until 8 p.m.
Five pools are now open in the area, while two remain closed. Among the others open include Science Park in Ferguson Township, Kepler in Bellefonte and Clear-Centre in Osceola Mills. The Millheim Pool at Soldiers and Sailors Park will remain closed this season, and the Mountain Top pool is also not yet open due to water issues.
Patton Township’s Park Forest Community Pool and State College’s William L. Welch Community Pool will cost $10 daily for those ages 11-64, $8 for those ages 3-10 and 65 and older, and $5 for everyone ages 3 and older after 5 p.m. Season passes range from $50-$105, depending on age, with children 2 and younger free.
For more information on pool rules and prices, you can visit the pools’ website at crpr.org/aquatics.
This story was originally published June 19, 2020 at 11:46 AM.
