It’s summer, pools are closed

An update to the state of Austin’s pools had some bad news, as expected, on June 15. A memo from acting Parks and Recreation Department Director Kimberly McNeeley to City Council explained that several pools will be closed while repairs are made.

• The Chestnut Splash Pad was expected to open June 18, 2018
• Mabel Davis Pool is expected to open July 2018
• Shipe Pool and Wading Pool is expected to open Summer 2019
• Govalle Pool is expected to open Summer 2019

In addition, the memo notes, the city “is still in need of approximately 220 additional trained lifeguards for the summer season. The lifeguard numbers can affect how the pools are operated, as well as affecting the accessibility to the public, until we are fully staffed. … Due to staffing numbers, not all pools are fully operational. When visiting a pool you may find that diving wells, baby pools and other amenities are not open. As we get lifeguards through the training and onboarding process we will fully open pools.”