Metro Atlanta

No plans to reopen Atlanta pools anytime soon

The Piedmont Park Aquatic Center and Pool. Photo: Handout.
The Piedmont Park Aquatic Center and Pool. Photo: Handout.
By Raisa Habersham
May 7, 2020

Summer’s set to arrive next month, but Atlanta pools may remain closed.

“Currently, there are no plans to open recreation facilities—including pools, basketball courts or playgrounds—in the immediate future,” said Michael Smith, spokesman for Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.

Gov. Brian Kemp ordered all public swimming pools, including subdivision, apartment, condominium, fitness center, county, municipal and waterpark pools, to close through May 13, but local governments may elect to not reopen them when that deadline passes.

Bottoms created an advisory council to consider plans for reopening the city. Their suggestions are due May 15.

The Piedmont Park Conservancy, which operates the Piedmont Park pool, said they are waiting on guidance from the city regarding reopening.

“As with most things these days, decisions are in flux,” Conservancy spokeswoman Amy Han Risher said.

The pool typically opens during Memorial Day weekend, but if it opens then or later in the summer, Risher said they will adjust its allowed capacity to follow public health recommendations, such as social distancing.


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About the Author

Raisa Habersham is the Intown Atlanta hyperlocal reporter for The Atlanta-Journal Constitution.

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