Openings delayed for two Central IL pools ahead of Memorial Day weekend

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — A couple Central Illinois pools won’t open this weekend after dealing with setbacks.

Board President Denver Piatt of the Paxton Park District said they have been without a recreation director and the pool isn’t ready. He said they’re finishing up staffing certifications, and they need to get the pool cleaned before filling.

Piatt said after the park district’s recreation director left, it caused a domino effect, delaying the pools opening. Now, board members are helping with preparation.

Piatt said he understands people want to know a definitive date to start swimming, but the 60-year-old facility is taking more time to get ready.

“They just require a little more babysitting,” he said. “You take a pool that’s two years old, and you set it, come back once a week and check it. You know, the type of pool we have, it’s checked multiple times a day, seven days a week.”

Piatt said chemicals have been ordered for the pool. After those are applied, it should be about a week for it to be ready for use.

He said help is always appreciated and he’s anticipating the pool opening in a little less than two weeks.

Meanwhile in Farmer City, their Weedman Park pool is also facing issues. It won’t open this weekend either, and there is no time frame yet for when it will.

“The pool will not hold water and most likely has a broken pipe underneath somewhere,” the city said in a Facebook post on Thursday. “In addition, one of our main pumps is not functioning properly and needs to be repaired.”

Farmer City officials added that they hope to get a better estimate as to when the pool will reopen within the next few days.

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