From the Morris Plains Mayor and Council:
Morris Plains Community Park Pool Season – 2020
Governor Murphy signed EO 153, June 9, 2020, authorizing the opening of public recreational bathing pool facilities. It was the joint decision of the Recreation Commission, Mayor Karr and Borough Council to review NJDOH and CDC guidelines and requirements released on June 15, 2020 in order to address the pool opening.
The 2020 Pool Season opening has been contingent of three areas of concern: COVID19 insurance coverage, implementation of CDC and NJDOH regulations, and a minimum number of memberships to cover operating costs.
With the first two queries satisfied, the Recreation Commission prepared a survey sharing it on the Borough’s and Borough School’s websites as well as RAVE, NIXLE and social media, requesting pool membership interest with a response on or before June 25, 2020.
Further, the Recreation Director emailed every 2019 member seeking their intent. Unfortunately, as of today, June 25, the community commitment needed to support covering the pool’s 2020 operating costs has not been met.
The 2020 membership is 183 compared to the 2019 membership of 253. Any additional income usually produced each year from swim lessons, guest fees, snack stand and splash parties cannot be expected as these will not be offered due to COVID-19.
Then there are unexpected expenses specific to the pandemic, such as policies for extensive scheduled cleaning and sanitizing of bathrooms, regular sanitizing of knobs and handles, and additional employee(s) responsible for enforcement would need to be hired.
The concern for expected and unexpected issues due to COVID-19 would require specific COVID-19 employee training as prescribed by NJDOH and CDC guidelines in order that employees are versed and understand the regulations and guidelines.
Therefore, it is the final results of the Borough’s survey and ongoing discussions between the Recreation Director, Recreation Commission, Mayor Karr and Council that we regretfully have made the decision that Community Park Pool will not open for the 2020 season.
It is our vision that all necessary regulations, guidelines and requirements will be in place so that the community will enjoy the pool and its facilities when we return summer 2021. Our best wishes to you all for a healthy and safe summer.
Wish they would have done a survey and pulled the plug on the live streaming of the “bigger and better” fireworks instead. What a waste of money!