New procedures

Portland Water Park is going to look and operate differently this year.

According to an operation plan submitted to Portland Mayor John Boggs and Jay County Health Department last week, the water park will open July 4 weekend at 50% capacity with many of its features closed or limited due to the potential spread of COVID-19.

Other than capacity, the most drastic change is that the pool will be closed from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. every day so it can be cleaned. Outside of the cleaning hour, it will be open from noon to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission to the earlier session will cost $5. Admission for the shorter evening session will cost $2.

While guidelines and regular cleaning at the pool will help, Jay County Health Department environmentalist and administrator Heath Butz said the most effective way to combat the spread of the virus is for the pool’s patrons to act responsibly during this pandemic inside and outside of the water park.

Per the plan, a maximum of 258 attendees will be allowed in the water park at one time.

Other guidelines in the plan and from Butz are as follows:

•Concessions will be open but there will be limited space to sit and eat — most tables and all the chairs and bleachers will be roped off or removed. Attendees are allowed to bring their own chairs.

•Plexiglass will be installed at each concession and admission window. Workers at these stations will wear masks and gloves

•All employees’ temperatures will be checked daily.

•Patrons are asked to come to the pool clean and in their swim clothes as time in the restroom is to be kept at a minimum. Showers will be closed.

•Those who have been recently exposed to coronavirus or show COVID-19 symptoms are asked to stay away from the water park.

•Water aerobics and swim lessons will not be offered this year.

•Hand sanitizer will be plentiful and available at various locations. High-contact areas will be sanitized regularly and in between sessions.

•Pool basketball will not be allowed.

•The lily pads, tubes and slides will be open with social distancing markers in their lines.

•The pool will not be available for private rentals.

•Traffic will be divided between the steps and the ramp. Those entering the water park will use the steps and those exiting will walk down the ramp. Those who are unable to use the steps will be exempt from this rule.

Boggs and Butz approved the park’s COVID-19 contingency plan Friday.

Boggs required each organization that uses park facilities, including recreational league leaders and the Portland Rockets, among others, to submit preliminary operational plans to his office and Butz by Friday.

Season pool passes will be available for $45. Passes can be bought in a bundle for a family for cheaper than the standard price.

The park is currently hiring part-time Red Cross certified lifeguards.