The Haines Borough swimming pool has a new manager and should open soon and borough staff and the Haines Dolphins Swim Team organizers are still developing COVID-19 virus protocols. An opening date is forthcoming, borough clerk Alekka Fullerton said.
The pandemic, budget cuts and extended repairs led to spring and summer closures, with the pool closed since March.
At the time of the closure, the pool was drained to save costs and allow for repairs. In June, the Haines Borough Assembly passed a budget including a cost-saving measure closing the facility until September and temporarily laying off staff.
In August, former pool manager RaeAnn Miner stepped down from the position, which caused the pool to remain closed.
Dolphins president Rich Chapell said the swimmers are behind in their season, which begins Sept. 1. He said meets are still occurring with mitigation efforts. Chapell said those measures will be used in the pool including coming to practice suited up, disallowing the use of the locker rooms and keeping swimmers from waiting in the lobby area.
“Those are the major changes and also a reduced number of swimmers in the pool at one time to maintain social distancing,” Chapell said. “That’s going to be a whole new program we have to adapt to. We’re anxious to get our programs started again and get some kids in the water.”
The borough hired Amanda Painter to manage the pool and her first day was Friday, Oct. 16.
Painter was among three people who interviewed for job. A hiring committee consisted of borough staff and user group representatives. Painter taught swimming lessons at the pool in 2016 and worked as a head lifeguard in her home state of Oklahoma.
She received her pool operator certification this week. Painter said she needs to hire staff and spend a few days getting organized before she makes a schedule and opens the pool.
“I’m just excited to get it open as soon as possible for people to start using,” Painter said. “I think a lot of people are interested in getting it open and having swim lessons and being able to swim laps. It will also be good for the kids at the school in regards to their physical education credits. I’m hoping to get kids in to do some after school programs where kids can come for at least an hour before the swim team has their time.”