PIERRE, S.D. (DRG News) – In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pierre City Commission decided not to open the municipal outdoor pool this summer.

Parks and Recreation Director Tom Farnsworth says the outdoor pool, by its very nature, is a gathering spot. He says there are options at the Oahe Family YMCA.

Another option for swimming enthusiasts will be in Fort Pierre starting around June 10. But, mayor Gloria Hanson says many precautions are being taken to ensure public safety.

Pierre had planned on not opening the pool next summer (2021) to allow for construction of a new facility in the current location to start next spring.

Commissioner Vona Johnson says design work to replace Pierre’s 90-plus year old pool continues, but active fundraising for the extra features of the new pool are on hold.

Farnsworth says Pierre isn’t alone in its decision to keep its public pool closed for the summer. He says of the state’s 10 largest communities, eight have decided to leave outdoor pools closed this summer.