State College’s Welch Pool just had its season extended. Here’s how to take advantage
State College’s pool season got off to late start this year — so now the season is getting a surprise extension.
State College’s William J. Welch Community Pool will continue to operate until Sept. 27, about three weeks later than usual, to make up for the belated opening due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an announcement Wednesday by Centre Region Parks & Recreation (CRPR). The Park Forest Community Pool will still close down after Sept. 7.
“All summer we’ve been trying to determine whether we have the capability of opening the pools longer so the community has a good place to swim and a safe place to go for the recreational opportunity,” said Todd Roth, the CRPR aquatics supervisor.
On Wednesday, after discussing the prospect at length with staff, the organization felt prepared for a later season. The main sticking point to begin with, Roth said, was whether CRPR would have enough staffing once high school and college resume.
But, thanks to more employees staying put due to the pandemic, Roth said there will be enough remaining staff to operate one pool past Labor Day.
After Sept. 7, Welch Pool will be open 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays for general swim and from noon to 7 p.m. on weekends for general swim. (Adult lap swim and toddler time will still take place on the weekends, from 10 a.m. to noon.) Daily admission is $5 per person.
According to Roth, the schedule still has the potential to be tweaked. Weather — such as the rain or cold — could temporarily shut the pool down, coronavirus protocols could change, or staffing could potentially cause issues on a handful of days.
But, Roth hopes, most residents will still embrace the change after the pools officially opened June 27.
“This is what allows us to serve the most people,” he added.
For more information, or to check the status of Welch Pool, go to crpr.org/aquatics.
This story was originally published August 12, 2020 at 5:25 PM.
