As coronavirus (COVID-19) cases continue to decline and the vaccine rollout expands, the City of Boise is planning to open some of its outdoor municipal pools this summer with health and safety protocols in place.
"We're committed to providing opportunities for outdoor exercise and recreation, and we are confident we can open four of our municipal pools safely," said Mayor Lauren McLean. "This plan allows us to be responsible with residents’ money and have some summer fun in our pools."
The following pools will open with limited capacity and timed entry this summer:
- Borah Pool (801 S. Aurora Dr.)
- Fairmont Pool (7929 W. Northview St.)
- Ivywild Pool (2250 S. Leadville Ave.)
- The Natatorium and Hydrotube (1725 E. Warm Springs Ave.)
Details are still being finalized, but anyone who plans to visit a City of Boise municipal pool in 2021 will need to purchase a pool season pass. The cost is discounted this year at only $15 per person, regardless of age, and scholarships are available. Season pass holders can then reserve time at any of the four pools in two-hour time blocks. Cash will not be accepted at the pools in 2021. Advanced reservations are required to swim, and for safety and planning reasons, walk-up visits won’t be available this season. Pool season passes will go on sale Monday, April 26 – purchasing information will be released closer to that date.
“I know the entire Boise City Council is excited about the opportunity to provide access to some of our pools this summer,” said Boise City Council President Elaine Clegg. “I appreciate the administration’s willingness to find a solution that provides for safety while offering this service that we know is so important to many in our community.”
An opening day for pool season has not been set and will depend on several factors including pool maintenance and staffing.
The Boise Parks and Recreation team is hiring for a variety of positions to operate and manage the pools this summer. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the City of Boise’s Human Resources web page in the coming days for openings.
Once the pools open, employees will sanitize common areas and surfaces between time blocks and physical distancing will be required. Masks must be worn when entering and exiting pool facilities and any time visitors are not in the water and within six feet of those outside their immediate household. City leaders will continue to work with local and state health officials, including Central District Health, to implement and update health and safety protocols throughout the season.
“We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as we implement these new procedures to keep our staff, visitors and the community safe,” said Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway. “We heard our users and have worked hard to provide access to the pools in a way that is safe and sustainable throughout the summer.”
Due to limited capacity and strict adherence to COVID-19 guidelines, no swimming lessons will be offered in 2021. Any decisions on additional programming, including the potential of a modified Swim Team, will be made at a later date.