With all this heat, who's ready to swim?! Renovations at Wickwire Pool ‘near completion’

(Stock Photo)

Renovations for the pool house at Wickwire Pool in Cortland are “near completion” as the city prepares for its June 26 opening, Cortland Youth Bureau director John McNerney said recently.

The $850,000 project (funds compiled from $626,186 in private donations/grants) -- which includes $407,000 from the New York State Environmental Protection fund and another $208,000 in program income of accessible funds, includes: new interior and exterior, roofing, public address system and pool deck lighting; locker rooms and bathrooms -- with the bathroom accessible from the outside; and roofing over the open-air shower areas.

McNerney said the last task for the pool area is putting in five new benches and pouring concrete beneath each.

“We’re really excited about this building. It’s super impressive,” he said. “All of the amenities, everything inside the building, it’s all new.”

COVID-19 guidelines and procedures are in place for public pools. However, the state’s health department and Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced last week that guidelines may change by the July 4 weekend.

As of right now, the guidelines and procedures are as follows (subject to change):

  • Reservations are required to utilize a two-hour time block for the pool
  • Staff members will complete the COVID questionnaire and temperature check upon arrival
  • Face masks are required outside of the pool, but not required -- or allowed -- in the pool
  • Guests must maintain social distancing by staying six feet apart from others
  • 10 feet of distance is required between blankets, towels and chair (except if guests are family members or from the same household)
  • Pool capacity will be limited to 125 guests
  • The pool will be divided into sections (with tape or cones), allowing a maximum of 10 guests in each section
  • A hand sanitizing station will be placed just inside the entrance for guest use

Staff members will clean and sanitize the bathroom area at a minimum of three times per day, and other parts of the pool house and area will be frequently cleaned and sanitized after use.

McNerney mentioned the youth bureau is looking to hire more lifeguards. He added that there are a few spots left.

For more information on pool procedures or to apply to be a lifeguard, contact the youth bureau at 607-753-3021.