Barney Road - 1 Barney Road Clifton Park, NY 12065
Locust Lane - 5 Locust Lane Clifton Park, NY 12065
Country Knolls Pool - 9 Burning Bush Blvd. Clifton Park, NY 12065

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 14, 2021

CONTACT:                 
Town Supervisor Phil Barrett
518-371-6651
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Clifton Park Pools will Open in June
2021 promises to be a challenging season

 The Town of Clifton Park will have all three pools open in 2021 for people to enjoy.  In 2020 we operated the pools in a shortened season per NYS guidelines.  In recent days, NYS released guidance regarding public pools that is helpful to now make final decisions for the upcoming season. The 2021 season will also have its share of challenges.  Lifeguard training opportunities over the last year have been severely limited.  For an extended period of time training was not available.  Since training has begun again more recently at specific entities, class sizes are smaller than normal.  This reality has affected new lifeguard training as well as lifeguard recertification classes.  We have a significant percentage of our lifeguard staff that must complete recertification classes prior to the pools opening.  Therefore, preparations for the 2021 season are more significant than a normal year.  Our pool management staff and lifeguards are committed to ensuring training standards remain high to properly serve visitors to the pool.

We are thankful to have a number of dedicated lifeguards returning in 2021.  However, we need more guards each year as the total number of applicants have been dropping annually in recent years.   We continue to recruit new guards for this year and future pool seasons.  Anyone interested in becoming a lifeguard, should complete a Town application and lifeguard certification.

Based on current staffing levels, guard availability due to school schedules and training needs the pool schedule will be as follows:

• Barney Road Pool--- Soft Open - June 11^th, 12^th and 13^th
                                       ---Open every day June 17^th- August 22nd
• Country Knolls Pool --- Open every day – June 11th – August 22nd       
• Locust Lane Pool   --- Open every day – June 24^th – August 22nd

Pool hours will be the traditional noon to 8pm at the beginning of the season.  Later in the month of June, closing time will be extended to 830pm. 

The closing date of August 22^nd for the pools is tentative at this time.  We will remain open as long as possible based on having the necessary staffing.  We are hopeful the pools can remain open after August 22^nd, but we cannot guarantee that will occur. 

We are also hopeful we can offer Swim Lessons during the Summer.  We have been working toward scheduling the necessary training for lifeguards that allow them to provide swim instruction.  To work with children in the swim lesson program, lifeguards are required to complete significantly more training and acquire a Water Safety Instruction designation.  Currently, we do not have the required number of lifeguards who have completed the higher level of training, to conduct a lesson program.  We will announce the availability of classes if and when we are able to offer lessons.

 “The 2021 pool season will be another challenging year for pool operations, said Town Supervisor Phil Barrett.  We are committed to offering a safe and enjoyable recreational experience for people of all ages.”                                                   

• POOL FEES

The membership program returns in 2021.  Half price memberships will be offered August 1^st.

1. Individual - $129
2. Couple - $199
3. Family  - $269
4. Babysitter - $50

• POOL POLICIES and STANDARDS

1. Visitors to the pool are asked to wear a mask unless they are seated poolside or entering the pool.
2. Visitors to the pool are asked to remain distanced from other people within the pool grounds.
3. Kiddie Pools, slides and diving boards will be available
4. Benches and pool chairs will be available
5. Smoking is prohibited
6. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on public property and therefore not on pool grounds.                               

For a complete list of Pool Operations and Guidelines or to purchase a membership, please go to www.cliftonpark.org and click on the Parks and Recreation Summer Recreation Book 2021.

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