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Splish Splash Time

May 31, 2020

As the only public pool in Bosque County, Clifton’s Olsen Pool opens for summer June 1 as usual despite some COVID-19 restrictions

CLIFTON – It’s officially summertime as the COVID-19 school at home came to a close last week. And with social distancing restrictions regarding public gatherings continue to lighten up a bit as Texas moves forward with steps to reopen for business, it’s time to play.

Clifton’s Olsen Park Pool opens at 1 p.m. June 1, as per usual, but at 50 percent capacity (above); The pool's clear blue water glistens, ready for summer visitors (top).

As the only public swimming pool in Bosque County, Clifton's Olsen Pool will maintain its normal opening date of June 1 with a few restrictions.

With the gate opening at 1 p.m. Monday, this not-so-normal spring will call for pool occupancy to be brought down to a 50 percent capacity. This means a maximum of 60 people can be in the pool at any one time, but the facility seldom sees that number reached any way.

City Administrator Pam Harvey and Public Works employee Clifford Crosby were making last minute preparations on Sunday morning in anticipation of opening day Monday, including stocking of the concession stand and checking the water quality one last time. Crosby is in charge of pool and water maintenance.

With the temperatures heating up, the cool water looked most welcoming and refreshing.

Besides the normal rules and regulations regarding public swimming pools, the City of Clifton abides by the COVID-19 protective measures as issued in Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s executive order May 5.

“We will be disinfecting the restrooms and tables more often,” Harvey said. “The tables and chairs have also been spread out.”

During operating hours seven days a week from 1-6 p.m., Olsen Pool will have a lifeguard on duty.

Besides normal pool rules, Olsen Pool visitors are expected to adhere to minimum standard health protocols, including social distancing and limiting groups to 10 people.

Harvey encourages visitors to the pool to practice the minimum standard health protocols, including staying in groups smaller than 10 people, as well as social distancing by remaining six feet from one another in the pool. The standard health protocols can be found at: https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/coronavirus/opentexas.aspx#protocols, under the effective May 8, 2020 section. Protocols were revised May 18.

Regular pool rules as posted by the concession stand remain in effect.

Water aerobics, swimming lessons and other classes are not planned at the moment, but the pool is open for private party rentals.

The pool will be open seven days a week from 1-6 p.m with an admission price of $5 per day. Season passes will be available at the pool, and a life guard will be on duty at all times. For more information, visit the City of Clifton website at: http://www.cityofclifton.org/page/city-pool.aspx , call the pool at 254-675-6648 or call City Hall and talk to Pam Harvey at 254-675-8337.

Clifton City Administrator Pam Harvey and Public Works employee Clifford Crosby make last minute preparations Sunday – like stocking the concession stand and checking the water quality.