By Per Peterson
From Marshall to Madison, Slayton to Tyler, Fulda to Lakefield, community swimming pools plan on opening this month.
Such is not the case in Tracy.
The Tracy City Council back on May 11, approved a motion to tie its decision on whether or not to open the aquatic center to Gov. Tim Walz’s action on re-opening certain parts of the state. At that time, pools were not on the list to open anytime in the near future.
The City of Tracy on May 15 posted on its Facebook page that the aquatic center would remained closed for the summer after Walz announced that he was extending his original executive order concerning social distancing and large gatherings (which included keeping pools closed) until June 1.
However, Wednesday, June 10, marked the beginning of Phase III of the Minnesota Stay Safe Plan — a shift from Walz’s original Stay At Home order. The move to Phase III marks a shift in the reopening of the state, as restrictions on businesses such as gyms, indoor entertainment venues, salons, and bars and restaurants were loosened. Phase III also included the opening of swimming pools at 50% capacity. That shift was the impetus for numerous communities making the decision to open the doors to their pools.
See this week’s Headlight Herald for more on this article.