Atlantic Parks and Recreation Department Director Bryant Rasmussen posted on social media this (Friday) morning, a letter to the citizens of Atlantic, with regard to the Sunnyside Pool. The letter said “It is with an extremely heavy heart, but due to the Covid-19 virus and restrictions in place, the Sunnyside Pool will not open for the summer 2020 season pursuant to the Proclamation of Disaster Emergency for the state of Iowa on May 13th, 2020,” which states “All swimming pools and spas, wading pools, water slides, wave pools, spray pads, and bath houses shall continue to be closed until 11:59 pm on May 27th.”

Even with the newest proclamation by Governor Reynolds permitting lap lanes and swim lessons the social distancing requirements are still in place, the proclamation does not open up recreational swimming venues. Rasmussen said “Although we have employees trained and hired to be lifeguards, we do not have the necessary employees to fulfill the recommendations of the CDC to be able to clean frequently touched objects (hand rails, door knobs, restrooms, showers, lockers, chairs, etc.) after every single use. We also do not have additional employees to monitor the recommended 6 feet physical distancing of those in the water who are not immediate family members or who reside in the same household.” (To see the full list of recommendations from the CDC visit https://www.cdc.gov/…/communi…/parks-rec/aquatic-venues.html. )