Staffing shortages lead Indy Parks to start summer with half of pools closed

INDIANAPOLIS — Summer time pool season is sort of right here, however staffing shortages are inflicting fewer areas to open for the beginning of the season.

On Thursday, Indy Parks introduced its summer season pool season. In the course of the announcement, the division introduced that solely 8 of its 17 swimming pools can be open beginning June 4. One other pool is present process upkeep and will open after July 4.

“Out of the remaining 9 swimming pools, we are going to proceed to judge staffing ranges and methods to get them up and working this summer season,” stated Phyllis Boyd, director of Indy Parks “I’m so grateful to our whole workforce for his or her efforts to coach new and returning employees and their dedication to get our parks prepared for an gratifying pool season.”

The swimming pools that will likely be open initially of the season embrace:

• Bethel Park
• Ellenberger Park
• Frederick Douglass Park
• Garfield Park
• Indy Island Aquatic Middle
• Perry Park
• Thatcher Park
• Willard Park

The swimming pools will likely be open Wednesday by Sunday from 11 am till 2 pm and three pm till 6 pm. Gustafson Park pool is present process upkeep and will open after July 4^th. And, Krannert Park’s pool and household heart will likely be transformed, ensuing within the pool being closed throughout the summer season months.

The rest of the swimming pools will keep closed initially of the season because of staffing shortages. With 377 accessible summer season positions, Indy Parks has employed 192 individuals. This quantity represents lifeguards, cashiers, pool managers, day camp counselors, meals program coordinators, and extra. 81 individuals have been employed for 224 lifeguard positions.

“To alleviate the pressure of employees shortages, some parks are capable of share employees whereas providing an enough variety of breaks and days off throughout the pool schedules,” stated Jordan Elder, senior supervisor of aquatics. “We’re nonetheless reviewing functions, interacting with youth and adults throughout job festivals, and doing no matter it takes to fill remaining positions with certified employees.”

Mayor Joe Hogsett additionally introduced Thursday that town plans to waive pool admission charges all through the summer season. Residents will be capable to entry free pool passes at any Indy Parks Household Middle or pool location, or on the Buyer Service Middle at Riverside Regional Park beginning initially of June. To get the cross, guests should be residents of Marion County, and adults should present their state-issued ID. Passes will likely be legitimate all through the summer season.

“We’re proud to supply free pool entry to Marion County residents in order that extra individuals than ever earlier than can take part on this enjoyable summer season exercise,” stated Mayor Hogsett. “Swimming pools supply an entire host of advantages to oldsters. They symbolize an awesome place for protected, supervised play; they’re an ideal summer season different to display screen time, and so they promote wholesome exercise whereas socializing with pals.”

The parks division continues to rent lifeguards, pool managers, head lifeguards, meals program coordinators, and extra summer season positions. To use, go to Indy Parks Summer time Jobs.