Parks & Recreation News
Thursday, August 7, 2008OUTDOOR AQUATIC CENTER CLOSED FOR THE DAY
In compliance with the Lawrence/Douglas County Health Department’s recommendation for sanitary pool disinfections, Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department’s Aquatic Division is temporarily closing the Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center, 727 Kentucky St., until the pool is disinfected. It will reopen tomorrow at its regular scheduled hours, 1 to 8:45 p.m.
Earlier today, unformed stool was found in the pool and procedures have been enacted to disinfect the entire pool.
Chlorine is being added to raise the disinfectant residual to 20 parts per million. Filters will also be thoroughly washed and disinfected. Once the process has been completed, which is done over an 8-hour period, the chlorine levels will be brought back down to levels suitable for swimming.
“We want the community to know that we continue to keep our facilities operating at the highest levels possible,” Jimmy Gibbs, aquatics manager, said. “It is important the community understands the measures taken in closing the pool reflect our commitment to providing an environment for people to swim safely.”
Gibbs urges the public to practice good hygiene and common sense in order to swim safely.
“It is important to wash your hands,” Gibbs said. “Before you swim, take a shower. If you or your child have diarrhea, it is important that you don’t swim. Wash your hands after using the toilet. Take bathroom breaks and don’t swallow water from the pool when you swim.
“Using these tips will allow everyone using the pools to swim safely and will prevent the spread of disease.”
For more information on swimming safely, visit www.healthyswimming.org or contact the Gibbs at 832-7946.
Prepared by Roger Steinbrock, 785-832-3458
Source: Jimmy Gibbs, Aquatic Division Supervisor, 832-7946
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