Summer is going to look a little different for the public.
Because of concerns about the Coronavirus, pools and water parks run by Prince William County aren’t opening this summer, according to a release from Prince William County.
Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism (DPRT) Director Seth Hendler-Voss explained that safety is the main goal.
“We understand how disappointing this must be for the thousands of visitors who depend on us for summer memories and relief from the heat. We regret we could not find a way forward,” Hendler-Voss said in a release.
Training the estimated 600 to 800 seasonal staff members — which includes lifeguards and those running concession stands — in time for summer is a challenge, according to DRPT Spokesperson Brent Heavner.
“Much of the safety training these positions require, especially our lifeguards, requires close contact,” Heavner said in a release. “That training cannot begin until social distancing guidance guidelines are lifted, as anticipated in Phase III of the Commonwealth’s Forward Virginia Blueprint.”
Northern Virginia is set to start the first phase of reopening later this month, and social distancing requirements are expected to continue through the second phase. This means that many staff won’t be able to begin training until mid-July.
The department is looking into the idea of opening two indoor recreation center pools when it’s safe and practical.
