If you’re a kid or grownup in Guilford County who likes keeping cool during the summer heat, then you’ll love what the Guilford County Parks Department announced on Thursday, June 3. 

Starting on Saturday, June 5, the county will open all the pools at its parks at full capacity.

Guilford County government has been extremely cautious about allowing any crowds of any size anywhere for the last year and three months – so this move is a good sign that county officials believe the COVID-19 pandemic is coming under control.

The Bur-Mil Park, Hagan-Stone Park and Northeast Park pools will be open seven days a week.  Check pools for hours of operation.  Admission this summer is $5 per person – with children under two years of age getting in free.

The county also announced Thursday that memberships to the pools won’t be sold this summer.

While the pools are open at full capacity, the county does have some safety guidelines that indicate the county considers that coronavirus is still a threat.  Here are some of the pandemic pool rules and suggestions that will be in effect this swimming season:

  • To avoid large crowds, guests should plan visits during weekdays at “non-peak hours.” General admission reservations won’t be accepted in advance.
  • Masks are “strongly encouraged” while people wait in line to enter, during the ticketing process, and while anyone is strolling around on the pool deck. Also, masks are mandatory while indoors at any of the pool facilities. Masks aren’t required while people are sitting on pool chairs or getting in and out of the pool. And most kids will be glad to know that mask use is prohibited while in the pool.
  • Pool parties and day care visits have to be scheduled in advance. No swim lessons will be provided this season at the county’s pools.
  • The concession stands will be open – however, some of the usual hot foods won’t be available. Guests may bring coolers, and those of drinking age can drink as much alcohol as they like – as long as they do it at home once they get back from swimming because alcohol and intoxicated swimmers are still strictly forbidden at county pools.
  • Pool guests must adhere to guidelines and staff directives.
  • All other aquatic center rules and procedures are still in effect.

If you want more information on Guilford County Parks pools, call 336-641-7275 or visit www.guilfordparks.com.