Somerville Sets Opening Dates, Guidelines For Pools, Playgrounds

SOMERVILLE, MA — Pools, playgrounds and splash pads will soon open in Somerville with new safety protocols in place to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The city is putting summer face covering guidelines into effect; face coverings are still required when in public, but masks may be temporarily removed when outdoors in the hot weather if a distance of at least six feet can be maintained.

Pools open between June 26 and July 1:

Somerville has two public pools: the indoor Kennedy School pool at 5 Cherry St. and the outdoor Dilboy Pool at 324 Alewife Brook Parkway. Both are scheduled to open Wednesday, July 1. The state operates the Latta Pool at Foss Park at Broadway and McGrath, which will open Friday, June 26. All have new coronavirus safety guidelines and protocols, including:

• Outdoor pools are open to all.
• The indoor pool at the Kennedy School will be available to youth leagues and camps, and family swim will be available with restrictions. Only one parent/guardian allowed per household to adhere to the indoor limitations.
• Pool attendees must socially distance (remain at least six feet apart from persons who are not members of your household) on the pool deck, when in the water, and in restrooms. Locker rooms and changing areas will be closed.
• Except when in the pool itself, face coverings must be worn at all times by persons age 2 and older. Persons unable to wear a mask for medical or disability reasons are exempt. Face coverings cannot be worn in the pool itself for safety reasons, and swimmers should maintain social distancing in the water.
• Pools will have decreased occupancy.
• Pool hours will be staggered to allow for cleaning. New pool hours will be posted on www.somervillerec.com and, once they are set, will be available by calling 311.
• Swimming lessons will not be offered.

Summer Face Covering Guidelines In Effect

Effective immediately, during the summer months, when you are outside and able to social distance at least six feet from others, you may temporarily remove your face covering but must put it back on when others are nearby. The city will review face covering guidelines again in September.

The summer face covering order still requires coverings in all public indoor spaces (including stores, restaurants when not eating, and common areas in multi-unit buildings) and all outdoor public spaces (including during physical activities), but face coverings may be temporarily removed when outside if you are able to be at least six feet away from others. If you are planning to take your mask off outside, make sure to still carry it with you, and immediately put it on if other people are approaching. When others are approaching at about 30 foot distance, which is about the length of a bus, start putting your mask back on to ensure everyone has time to get their faces covered before crossing paths. Also remember to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth when putting on or removing a mask.

Please continue to put the safety of others first. In busy areas such as business districts or crowded parks, you may find it’s easiest and safest to keep your face covering on rather than pull it on and off repeatedly or be caught by surprise by a close passerby. Likewise, you may find the greatest opportunity to take advantage of the summer guidelines when on quieter side streets and in parks that are not crowded.

Please remember, children under the age of two should not wear a face covering, and persons who are not able to wear a face covering for medical or disability reasons are exempt from the requirement.

Playgrounds, Splash Pads, Basketball Hoops, and Rinks:

Playgrounds will open and basketball hoops will be unblocked on Monday, June 29. Spray decks/splash pads will open Wednesday, July 1. No games or scrimmages are allowed on the basketball courts. We strongly recommend that you do not share balls, gear, or any other materials with anyone outside your household.

The Department of Public Works will adhere to CDC recommendations for cleaning the City’s 60 playgrounds, tot lots, athletic equipment facilities, and 20 water play features on a weekly rotation weather-permitting. This includes the cleaning of high touch plastic and metal surfaces with a "green" detergent or cleaner and water.

Water play areas will be opened with social distancing rules. In parks where the water play area attracts crowds that fail to observe social distancing measures, the feature may have to be turned off. To avoid the loss of these important and popular cooling and recreation features, we strongly advise all residents to learn the rules and adhere to them.

Basketball hoops will be unblocked. However, to prevent close contact that could spread the virus, no games or scrimmages are allowed. Similar to water play areas, if social distancing can’t be practiced, hoops may be re-blocked. Again, the City urges all users to follow the guidelines so that the actions of some don’t cost access to these important recreational courts for all.

Ice Rinks are now open with additional safety protocols, but have limited capacity and are only open for organized youth leagues and youth programs.

Additional Tips on Staying Cool During COVID-19

The city may not be able to open cooling centers this summer in the event of extreme heat. Many of the places people may go to cool off -- like libraries, movie theaters, and malls -- may remain closed as well. Here are some tips on staying safe in the heat:

• Drink plenty of water. Bring a water bottle with you when heading outside. Public water fountains are currently turned off to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Never leave children or pets in a car unattended. This includes when running out for curbside pickup or other quick errands. Even a few minutes unattended in a hot car can be dangerous or deadly.
• Avoid strenuous activities, especially in the middle of the day when temperatures are the highest.
• Watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion (feeling dizzy, excessive sweating, cool and clammy skin, muscle cramps) and heat stroke (throbbing headache, not sweating, hot and dry skin, nausea or vomiting).
• If you are concerned about the cost of running a fan or air conditioner, check to see if you are eligible to receive a discounted electricity rate from Eversource to help lower your electricity bills.