Durham Parks & Recreation Will Not Open Its Pools For The 2020 Summer Season

Durham, NC – After careful consideration, review of information from trade associations specifically the National Parks and Recreation Association (NRPA), and guidance from federal, state, and local health officials, Durham Parks and Recreation (DPR) will not open its outdoor pools (Hillside, Forest Hills and Long Meadow) for the 2020 summer season.

The safety of their participants and staff is their number one priority. In addition, DPR is dedicated to providing services that are equitable for everyone. The logistical challenges of being able to provide these services safely would severely limit the number of Durham residents who would be able to access these services.  

While this was a difficult decision, DPR has determined that the challenges described above outweigh the benefit to the few that they would be able to safely serve.

Opening DPR pools created the following safety challenges and concerns related to Covid-19:

• Need to hire and train a sufficient number of seasonal lifeguards in a short time-frame;
• Need to minimize the number of people within DPR smaller pool facilities, limiting their ability to ensure equitable access;
• Need to require visitors and staff to maintain a social distance and wear masks when they cannot; and
• Need to increase cleaning and sanitizing frequencies required for decks, surfaces, and locker rooms (requiring additional staff).

DPR’s indoor pools (Edison Johnson Aquatics Center and Campus Hills Pools) are closed until further notice for similar reasons.

About Durham Parks and Recreation
Durham Parks and Recreation provides opportunities for the Durham community to Play More by connecting our whole community to wellness, the outdoors, and lifelong learning. To learn more about Durham Parks and Recreation, visit online, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or call (919) 560-4355.