Darwin council confirm pools, playgrounds will be ready to reopen on Friday

SWIMMING pools and playgrounds will be ready for residents to make a splash at midday Friday, with council staff having been hard at work readjusting chlorine levels and sanitising play equipment over the past 24 hours.

Parap Pool will be ready for swimmers at midday on Friday. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford

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SWIMMING pools and playgrounds will be ready for residents to make a splash at midday Friday, with council staff having been hard at work readjusting chlorine levels and sanitising play equipment over the past 24 hours.

Darwin council chief executive Scott Waters said council had been working towards a safe reopening for the past six weeks, when isolation restrictions were initially put in place.

“The Chief Minister has given the go ahead for swimming pools, outdoor fitness equipment and playgrounds to reopen from midday tomorrow … from City of Darwin’s perspective this will be a relatively simple transition,” he said.

“We have operations staff supported by our Green Army to undertake the works required. They will be removing tape from the 128 playgrounds we have across the municipality so families have access.”

Council’s pools, operated and maintained by the YMCA will have enough staff to safely operate, while water quality would be assessed throughout the day.

“We have commenced discussions this morning with the YMCA who manage our swimming pools – Parap, Nightcliff and Casuarina – and they have advised they are working toward reopening tomorrow,” Mr Waters said.

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“Pools have been maintained throughout the closure period – we just need to ensure pH levels are appropriate for swimming.”

However, Mr Waters said social distancing measures would be introduced to ensure pools and playgrounds weren’t overpopulated upon their reopening.

“Whilst the Australian and Territory Governments are leading the response to this crisis, City of Darwin has an important role to play during this time,” he said

“Maintaining social distancing continues to be critical as we respond to COVID-19.”

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The pools and playgrounds will officially be opened at midday on Friday.