Mercer Park Aquatic Center Opens Thursday in Iowa City

Nothing says 60 degrees in October like a dip in the pool.

KCRG reports that Iowa City's Mercer Park Aquatic Center is set to open this Thursday, October 1.  If you're not familiar with the facility, it's an indoor facility. The center will only be available by reservation for limited lap swimming and water walking at this time, which Iowa City Parks & Recreation has already begun taking. Reservations are taken in 45-minute blocks of time, which may get adjusted. Those 16 and older can make their own reservations but ages 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult and reserve an additional lane.

6-foot social distancing guidelines will be in place, with face coverings/masks required for all when not in the water. Visitors will be asked to refrain from gathering and to promptly exit at the end of their reservations. Make your reservations here.

Reservations can be made by both residents and non-residents for $4 per lane, per hour. As far as pool passes that were purchased before the shutdown, those are still suspended and will be honored when it opens for regular public use again, but pass-holders who wish to receive a refund can contact Sydney-Stodola@iowa-city.org for a refund.

There's information on the city website about the other Iowa City pools, as Robert A. Lee Recreation is planned to open "through a phased-in approach for the limited purpose of lap swimming with increased social distancing and hygiene practices, per the Governor's orders for reopening pools. ". City Park Pool is closed until further notice.