The city of Grove City, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, announced deferring opening of The Big Splash family aquatic facility until the 2021 season. The decision resulted from countless hours of examining how the city could safely open the facility.
COVID-19 presents unique challenges for a community pool. Beyond social distancing, occupancy considerations and increased sanitation efforts for the many high-touch surfaces, the nature of keeping swimmers safe requires close physical contact and creates potential for additional risks in lifesaving situations. Additionally it became a major challenge trying to hire and train lifeguards and support personnel.
The city appreciates the many applicants who patiently waited while the city explored a potential delayed opening. These conditions and guidelines from the Ohio Department of Health would result in significantly reduced admissions each day – as much as 80 percent below capacity.
Those concerns coupled with Franklin County Health Director’s recommendation that community pools not open for 2020, led to deferring the opening.
“The Big Splash has been a major part of our summer programs since 1999 and while I share the deep disappointment, this action causes, our priority is always the health and safety of our community and staff,” said Mayor Richard “Ike” Stage. “Not opening The Big Splash is heartbreaking and we all hope you – our fellow citizens – will continue to be patient during this challenging period.”
