Carlisle, PA

While Cumberland County will reach the “green phase” on Friday, June 12, 2020, the continued restrictions under the Governor’s Re-Opening Plan have weighed heavily in the conclusion and announcement that the Carlisle Community Pool will remain closed for the summer season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Borough Manager Susan Armstrong explained the rationale for the decision. “The safety of our community continues to be at the forefront of Carlisle Borough. Remaining compliant with the restrictions and precautionary measures that are recommended in the green phase for outdoor pools was examined closely by staff. Social distancing, capacity limitations, sanitation requirements, and the time needed to certify lifeguards and train staff were strongly considered. Moreover, under the best-case scenario, the Borough’s General Fund would experience a financial shortfall of approximately $45,000 due to the non-fiscal challenges. All of these factors were taken into consideration to make this informed, yet still difficult decision.”

Director of Parks and Recreation Andrea Crouse added, “We have not taken this decision lightly as closing the pool this year is extremely disappointing for all of us. We have come to know so many of our pool patrons and will miss seeing and sharing the summer season with them. Our valued members who have purchased season passes for 2020 will be fully reimbursed. We thank each of you for your understanding, and look forward to a better and brighter 2021 pool season.”

Although the pool season is a washout for the year, the Borough anticipates opening all park playgrounds, as well as splash pads at Memorial, Biddle Mission and LeTort Parks in the near future with social distancing measures in place. The Parks and Recreation staff continue to ramp up recreational programming that will be hosted within the Borough’s parks and Shaffer Cabin starting in July. Some of those slated include tennis lessons, Soccer Shots, fencing and Pound exercise class. Yoga and Art Camp, Kids Yoga and Mindfulness Camp, and Little Yogis are being planned at Shaffer Cabin. Final details are also being fleshed out for Bricks 4 Kids, youth volleyball and basketball camps. Ballet Bunnies is slated at Thornwald Amphitheater.