Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Schifferdecker main pool to open for Labor Day weekend

(From the City of Joplin)

Due to staffing shortages, Schifferdecker Aquatic Center will not offer the lazy river and slide portion of the center this holiday weekend, Joplin Parks and Recreation staff announced Wednesday. The main pool area will be open to the public, with the park offering reduced admission fees Saturday, September 3 through Monday, September 5. The reduction in personnel causes the whole facility to be inadequately staffed to properly and safely operate for the public.

The City announced a few weeks ago its staggered pool season closing dates to accommodate staff shortages. Officials say the scenario isn't that uncommon but it doesn't usually have this much of an impact.

“Our lifeguards are college and high school students. Starting in August we lose a majority of our lifeguards to school and/or sports,” said Jessica Johnson, Recreation Coordinator. We hired 87 lifeguards this season and only 10% of them can work, which isn’t enough to safely operate the entire Schifferdecker Aquatic Center facility. We have enough lifeguards scheduled to safely operate the main pool area while keeping our patrons safe.”

Due to the partial opening, admission fees will be half off. Adults will be $2.50 and children (15 & under) will be $2.00.

“Overall, we’ve had a great season. Attendance has been great and we have had a busy summer. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause.” said Johnson.

The 2017 aquatic season will kick off Memorial Day weekend (May 27, 2017).

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