Public pool, camp remain closed
Staffing, virus guidelines cited among reasons
After much consideration and mainly due to staffing and social distancing guidelines still in place, Richmond will not be opening Camp Richmond or the Richmond Community Pool this summer.
The city issued a statement regarding the closures on May 28 but took another look at things after Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer lifted a stay-athome order on June 1.
Citing the governor’s Executive Order 2020-110 City Manager Jon Moore stated in a June 5 press release that Richmond, like many communities across the state, had been rapidly trying to adjust to the unexpected decision to open pools and summer camps.
Noting their “deep regret” regarding the decision, the press release said the issues were reviewed by Moore, Recreation Director Margo VanHove and pool Director Joslyn Manska.
“We have made the determination that it is not feasible to open the Richmond Community Pool or Camp Richmond this late in the summer season. We have come to this decision based on the health and safety of our residents and staff,” Moore said. “These are difficult decisions and we hope that everyone understands they were not taken lightly.”
In addition to the critical staffing issue, the pool itself takes one week to drain, clean and make operational. It then takes up to two weeks to stabilize the water for a county inspection.
There was also a concern for the safety of the lifeguards, who might be called upon to rescue or perform first aid on someone who may not show symptoms of the virus. In particular, it was of deep concern to the pool director.
Staffing for Camp Richmond this late in the season also problems and in addition to that the social distancing requirements would be very difficult to comply with. Despite having an excellent staff, trying to keep children ages 6 to 12 socially distant did not seem feasible, Moore said.
There were also facility issues related to opening the camp. During inclement weather, the Richmond Community Center is used as safe shelter for the campers and it is currently closed to the public. Without the community center,
campers would need to rely on the pavilion in the city park. Unfortunately, the outdoor pavilion is not sufficiently sized to be able to handle the camp staff and campers while still complying with the social distancing guidelines.
On a more positive note, while the camp and city pool are closed this summer, the Richmond City Council, members of the recreation board and city staff are reviewing all of the park facilities and equipment to determine if the downtime may also present an opportunity for park improvements. Any developments in that regard will be shared on Facebook and on the city’s website.
The recreation department is developing onsite and virtual programing that will allow residents to enjoy recreation in a safe environment. New offerings will be shared on the recreation department’s Facebook page at facebook.com/richmondrecreationdepartment and the city’s website at cityofrichmond.net.
For additional information or questions related to the Richmond Parks, contact VanHove at 586-7273064 or parksandrec@ comcast.net.
In addition to the critical staffing issue, the pool itself takes one week to drain, clean and make operational. It then takes up to two weeks to stabilize the water for a county inspection.