Special to the Enquirer 

Summer fun is on hold no longer – at least for one Hartselle institution. 

“After many hours of discussion, a plan is in place to open Hartselle Aquatic Center June 18,” Mayor Randy Garrison said.  

Garrison said reopening on this date is “completely contingent upon the ability to hire and train the required number of lifeguards to staff the center. We do not have the required number to operate at the current time.” 

Garrison said the city’s Human Resources and Parks and Recreation staff are working diligently to recruit and hire guards to fill the needed positions. “Also, training is being lined up when the hires are made.” 

When the center does reopen, it will do so under the following conditions: 

• Days of operation: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, contingent on number of available lifeguards 

• Hours of operation: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., contingent on the number of available trained lifeguards 
• Maximum patrons allowed inside the center at any one time will be 250. 
• No pass outs to leave the center and return will be allowed. 
• There will be no pass sales. 
• Admission will be $5 per person per day. Admission will be free for children younger than 3. 

• All guests under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult of at least 18 years of age. 
• Adult water aerobics and adult lap swim will be available Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. 
• There will be no parties during public operating days and hours. 
• Private parties can be scheduled for Sundays from 1–3 p.m. and 4–6 p.m. Parties can be groups of 50 or smaller. 
• All attendees, except those from same household, must remain 6 feet apart from other attendees, in the water as well as anywhere at the center. 

• No lounge chairs will be provided.   
• No outside chairs will be allowed inside the center. 
• Thin mats to place under towels will be allowed. 
• No outside coolers or food will be allowed inside the center. 
• A limited number of tables with umbrellas will be available. 

• The lazy river, diving boards, slides, climbing wall and water toys will not be used or in operation. 
• There will be no rentals of floats, balls, toys, goggles, etc. 
• •No personal floats, balls, noodles, toys, etc. will be allowed inside. 
• •Personal goggles and flotation devices – e.g. floaties – will be allowed. 
• Concessions will be limited to pre-packaged items and bottled Coca–Cola products. 

• There will be no swimming lessons this season. 
• There will be no large groups from local daycares, church groups, day camps, etc. 
• All visitors must follow instructions and information from Aquatic Center employees. 
• The Splash Pad will not be opening at this time; this could change at later date. 

All pre-season purchased passes will be refunded. For refunds email hproffice@hartselle.org with the following information: Name, email address, phone number and names of each member of the family for whom a pass was purchased. 

Purchases made with credit cards will be refunded via the same card. Purchases made with cash or check will be refunded by check.  

Refunds will also be given for 2020 souvenir cups. Return the cup or cups to the Aquatic Center or the Civic Center office and fill out a request form and return for processing. A check will be mailed. 

Garrison said days and hours of operation for the Aquatic Center could change without notice depending on the number of available trained lifeguards. Changes could also occur if new rules or regulations are implemented by the Alabama Department of Public Health or other regulatory organizations.  

“The City of Hartselle and Hartselle Parks and Recreation asks for your patience and understanding as we work through a very difficult season of the year,” said Garrison. He emphasized all health and safety regulations “will be adhered to without exception for the safety of our attendees and guests, as well as our Aquatic Center employees.  

“Anyone not adhering to the guidelines will be asked to leave the facility and will not be allowed to return,” Garrison added.