New Hope Pushes Opening of New Pool to Next Summer
New Hope officials announced Wednesday that the city will not be opening the new aquatic facility until next summer. They cite the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic as reason to delay the project.
The New Hope City Council decided in a work session May 18 that delaying the opening until 2021 is in the best interest of the health and well-being of both pool visitors and staff.
A earlier rendering of the current channel and water slides at the New Hope pool.
“It breaks our heart not to be able to open this pool,” said Kirk McDonald, New Hope’s city manager in a May 20 press release. “We have all been working so hard for two years. It’s the last thing we wanted.”
Staff had been planning on a phased opening of the aquatic park this summer. The 50-meter pool would open June 6 and the rest of the facility would open in early July. Learn more about what was planned here.
There were several factors up in the air due to the novel coronavirus. The city didn’t know when the governor would give the green light for the facility to open. City officials also didn’t know what CDC or Minnesota Department of Health requirements would be put in place. The city would also be behind in hiring and training lifeguards.
“We have all worked really hard and this is a very difficult decision to make,” said Susan Rader, parks and recreation director for the city of New Hope. “But with staffing, budget and not even being sure at this point if we are able to open, we feel it is the right one.”
People who have purchased a 2020 season pass or registered for swimming lessons will be contacted by the city.
