APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Municipal pools in Appleton will not open this year and youth sports and park programming will be canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
City leaders say public safety, gathering limitations and social distancing recommendations were factors in the decision.
Kurt Eggebrecht is City of Appleton Health Officer. He tells FOX 11 the virus is still causing problems.
“The virus is still present in Appleton, and we need to continue to do our part to help slow the spread.”
Dean Gazza, Parks, Rec and Facilities Director, says safety and well-being of residents and staff are important.
“We know this is disappointing news for many families and we look forward to reopening the pools safely in 2021.”
Jennie Barclay has three kids. She tells FOX 11 this is very sad news.
“It’s a shame because we really enjoy the pool, and the kids really like it.”
She is disappointed her family can’t use their 2020 pool passes.
“I really wish they would have opened and maybe just had less people or maybe could have opened later in the summer. I was really hoping they could open but with restrictions.”
Adult softball and other sports will continue, but will have measures put into place to limit the number of participants and patrons.
The city says its recreation division will look for other ways to provide activities for kids that can be done with their families.
Last week, the city reopened play areas, tennis/basketball courts and the skateboard park, and resumed taking shelter reservations, all with distancing guidelines.
All parks, trails and Reid Municipal Golf Course remain open.
