As of 11 a.m. today, the Saxon Woods pool, in White Plains, and Sprain Ridge pool, in Yonkers, reopened to the public.

Employees are keeping a close watch to make sure there is proper social distancing to keep everyone safe and prevent the spread of coronavirus.

People have to wear masks everywhere except in the water. "That will be a requirement outside of the water for people who go into the restroom or to the concessions. That's a change in terms of the behavior. I think a lot of it is common sense," says Westchester County Executive George Latimer.

And as an added precaution, metal surfaces, including handrails, ramps and lifeguard seating will be deep cleaned in between swimming sessions.

The pools will be open in two sessions. The first session runs from 11 a.m.. to 2 p.m. Then employees will shut down the pools for an hour from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. for intense sanitizing, and the pools will then reopen from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The restrictions also means there will be a limit to the number of people who can come in. "We are allowed to open with 50% of the capacity that we would normally do. This is still a big pool. That gives us a number of 1,400 that can come into this area.  Sprain Ridge Pool is a little smaller. That will have 700 to 800," says Commissioner Kathy O'Connor, of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation. 

The pools are open to Westchester County residents only, and ID is required.  Wristbands go on sale at 9 a.m. until they sell out.

The Tibbetts Brook Pool in Yonkers and Wilson Woods Pool in Mount Vernon are also set to open on July 3. 

 

 

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