Arlington recently issued the following announcement.
Due to lifeguard staffing shortages, the City of Arlington’s Parks and Recreation Department will open the 2022 swim season under a modified schedule for the safety of our customers and staff. The modified schedule will remain in place until certified lifeguard staffing levels normalize.
The revised schedule maximizes swim opportunities at the seven City-managed aquatics facilities throughout Arlington, given present staffing levels. Under the modified schedule, Randol Mill Family Aquatic Center, Allen Bolden Play Pool, and Howard Moore Play Pool will all open on Saturday, May 28 for the traditional Memorial Day weekend opening. The other city pools are scheduled to open the following weekend, excluding Bad Königshofen Family Aquatic Center, which is scheduled to open on June 11 after construction delays due to weather.
As currently scheduled, at least two outdoor pools will be open every day of the week following the Bad Königshofen Family Aquatic Center opening.
Click here to view the 2022 modified swim schedule, including pricing for all locations.
In a typical year, the City of Arlington employs nearly 160 lifeguards and cashiers to meet the needs of the 90,000 annual visitors to our aquatics locations. However, Arlington is experiencing major staffing shortages similar to other North Texas cities and the Nation. As of mid-May, the aquatics division has 59 lifeguards on staff. To increase the hiring and retention of aquatic staff, the Parks and Recreation Department implemented no fees for lifeguard certifications, instituted a pay raise for returning staff, increased starting pay, and waived the cost of uniforms. In addition, the department is in the process of requesting authorization to implement a program to boost retention of lifeguards and summer camp staff for the duration of the summer. Click here to apply for a lifeguard position, or other seasonal job with the department.
Operating hours at the City’s splashpads at California Lane Park (2001 California Ln, 76015), Brantley Hinshaw Park (2121 Overbrook Dr, 76014), and Don Misenhimer Park (201 E Lonesome Dove Tr, 76002) are not impacted by the modified schedule. These splash pad locations remain free of charge to visitors and are open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend, and on weekends only through the remainder of September.
The Splash pad at The Beacon Recreation Center (1100 Mansfield Webb Road, 76002) is open now through October pending weather for members or visitors that purchase a $8 day pass. Hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Parks and Recreation Department recently developed the Bakari Williams Protocol, which puts additional checks and balances in place for aquatics facility maintenance, and also made recommended upgrades to the aquatics facilities’ chemical testing, controllers, and secondary sanitation systems to ensure facilities are safe for public use.
Original source can be found here.
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