Overland Park’s outdoor pools will open this summer, Parks and Recreation Department officials said, but lifeguard staffing shortages may present a challenge.
City staff provided an update on 2021 summer aquatics operations to the City Council’s Community Development Committee on Wednesday night.
Officials are hopeful that Stonegate Pool, Young’s Pool and Tomahawk Ridge Aquatic Center will open for the season starting Memorial Day weekend, depending on the public health situation at the time, and if there’s adequate staffing of fully-trained lifeguards.
Opening these pools allows the City to serve the largest possible geographic area of residents with existing staffing.
Despite pandemic restrictions, City staff members have hired and are in the process of training more than 140 lifeguards, cashiers and pool managers to serve at the City’s outdoor pools this summer.
However, at least 180 lifeguards are needed to safely operate all three facilities in addition to Matt Ross Community Center’s indoor pool.
Hiring continues
The Parks and Recreation Department is actively recruiting pool staff.
If you know a teen or college student looking for an excellent summer job, let them know Overland Park is hiring lifeguards.
They can apply on our website.
Following Johnson County’s health order
Based on the current mask mandate, guests are required to wear a mask or face covering until they reach their activity. Once they arrive at their activity, guests may take off their mask. Guests will need to put their mask back on to move from one activity to another.
Information about reservations and outdoor pool memberships will be available soon.
Other pools
Aquatics officials are also working to reopen the City’s indoor pool at Matt Ross Community Center.
Bluejacket Pool and Marty Pool will not open this summer.
Overland Park’s outdoor pools did not open during the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.