WESTON, WI (WSAU) — As the region struggles to the finish line of the latest cold snap, village leaders in Weston were already making plans for the 2021 outdoor pool season.
On Monday the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to instruct Parks and Recreation director Shawn Osterbring to begin planning for the new season, despite uncertainty over what will or won’t be allowed this summer as COVID-19 vaccines continue to roll out.
“We will provide a safe environment to swim in and go to with your families and friends and enjoy yourself,” said Osterbrink.
Monday’s decision was only to open the pools. Details such as if capacity limits, face mask requirements, or other pandemic-related orders were not discussed. Osterbrink says those be dictated by outside forces such as an indoor mask mandate from the Governor, or could be adjusted as the season goes on. “Last year things changed throughout the season. We had set capacity limits and then the mask mandate went in place during the season. We took all of that into account and were able to put an opening plan together that people were comfortable with.”
He adds that they wanted to have the decision made as soon as possible to allow plenty of time for families to make plans. It also allows lifeguards, many of whom are teens or college-age adults, time to plan their summers knowing they’ll have a job.
“We can’t wait till June [like we did last year] and then make that decision. We have a lot of employees that waited for us. [This year] we want them to know early on that they have a position coming back. It also allows us to sell passes and plan for the season, to make sure we are prepared when the time comes.
“We think that it’s very good for people to get out and enjoy themselves; it gives them something to do, and people need that right now,” he added.
The Weston Aquatic Center was the only outdoor pool that opened last summer in Marathon County and one of just two in Central Wisconsin. Online registration and payment were required for visitors, and capacity limits were enforced.
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