Jacksonville pools to reopen in phases; mayor outlines plan for summer camps

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Keeping families safe as they take a dip in a local pool is at the top of most everyone’s list as Jacksonville begins a phased reopening of city pools.

Mayor Lenny Curry announced the reopening plan Wednesday, saying the gradual approach is necessary because of staffing.

The first five pools to reopen June 8 will be:

• Julius Guinyard
• Oceanway
• Woodland Acres
• Charles Clark
• Cecil Aquatic Center

Cecil Aquatic Center will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, the other pools will be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 2 to 6 p.m. Sundays.

The later phases of pool openings, based on staff availability will be:

June 15

• Grand Park
• Pine Forest
• Thomas Jefferson
• Kennedy

June 22

• Fort Caroline
• CT Brown
• Harts Road
• Emmett Reed

July 1

• Adolph Wurn
• Carvill
• Mallison
• Sunny Acres

Pools on Duval County Public Schools properties will remain closed until at least July.

For locations on all city-run pools, visit the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department’s webpage at JaxParks.com.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published guidelines for public pools, which states a person should wear a mask until they get into the water. Additional guidelines include the typical 6 feet of separation and covering coughs and sneezes.

But the CDC is pointing out frequently touched surfaces like pool ladders, slides, lounges, and deck chairs should be cleaned regularly. The agency also warned against sharing swim gear and pool equipment like goggles and floats.

Summer camps

Curry also announced that Jacksonville will be opening up city-run summer camps, beginning June 15. He said the city usually charges $225 for a six-week full-day summer camp program but those will be offered free of charge this summer.

The city will also have half-day, drop-in programs and full-day, drop-in programs available.

“We are taking measures to protect the health and safety of our children,” Curry said, outlining specific guidelines for camps that include limiting the size and encouraging campers to wear masks.

In response to COVID-19 and adherence to state guidelines, all Jacksonville city summer camp sites will practice the following safety strategies:

1. Camp sizes will be limited to 30 participants, with a waitlist.
2. Group activities will include no more than 10 participants.
3. All counselors will be given masks, hand sanitizer and gloves.
4. Cleaning/disinfecting will be performed daily.
5. Campers will be encouraged to wear cloth masks.
6. Campers will take regular hand-washing breaks.
7. At check-in, participants will be checked for a fever and symptoms.
8. Field trips are canceled, as buses do not offer adequate space for proper social distancing.
9. Swimming activities will be offered only to camp sites where a pool is adjacent or within walking distance to the location.
10. Curriculums will include an education component focused on good health and the importance of social distancing.
11. Larger outdoor locations will be used for lunches and snack breaks.

Here’s a breakdown from the city on what camp types, locations, dates and times will be available. Registration is required for full-day enrichment camps only and online registration will begin Friday, June 5, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Full-day Summer Camps

The free full-day enrichment camps will provide opportunities for youth to participate in group activities including crafts, games, educational sessions and recreational sports. There will be no field trips, but the Summer Lunch Program will be offered.

• Dates: June 15 – July 24
• Times: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Locations:
  • Balis Center
  • Emmett Reed
  • Kennedy
  • HT Jones
  • Cuba Hunter
  • ML Gibbs
  • Legends (based on testing; backup site Simonds Johnson)

Club Rec Camps

The half-day, drop-in programs will provide opportunities for youth to participate in group activities including crafts, games, educational sessions and recreational sports. Registration is not required, and the Summer Lunch Program will be offered.

• Dates: June 15 – July 24
• Times: Noon – 5 p.m.
• Locations:
  • Beachwood
  • CT Brown
  • Dinsmore
  • Johnnie Walker
  • Julian Barrs
  • Mitchell Center
  • Oceanway
  • Westside
  • Windy Hill

Rec ‘N’ Roll Park Program

The full-day, drop-in programs will provide opportunities for youth to participate outdoors in group activities, including games and recreational sports. Registration is not required, and the Summer Lunch Program will be offered at locations with facilities.

• Dates: June 15 – Aug. 8
• Times: 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• Locations:
  • Adolph Wurn
  • Bruce Park
  • CT Brown
  • Grunthal Park
  • Kooker Park
  • Johnnie Walker
  • Warrington
  • Woodstock
  • Yancey

·For more information about summer activities, visit the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department’s webpage at JaxParks.com.