GERING, Neb (KNEP) The Gering Municipal Pool will be opening for the summer season beginning Monday, June 15, 2020.

Hours of operation:

- Lap swim 12-1 PM

- Open Swim 1-5 PM

- Family Swim 5-6 PM

- Open swim 6-8 PM

The Pool manager for the 2020 season is Ben Veilleux. Assistant managers are Madalyn Parks and Hailey Rickey.

Daily fees for pool use:

- $4.00 per person for ages 16 and older

- $3.50 for children ages 6-15

- Children under 5 are admitted free of charge

Pool goers are strongly encouraged to purchase a pool pass to limit the number of people waiting in line outside the pool to enter. Pool passes may be purchased at the Gering City Office at 1025 P Street between the hours of 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM Monday-Friday or at the Gering Pool - 905 13th street. The office at the Gering Pool will be open Saturday, June 13th from 9 AM to 12 PM for patrons that would like to purchase passes in advance. Cost of a season pass has been reduced this season due to the late opening of the pool. Individual passes are $50 and family passes are $100. Two Grandparents or one babysitter may be added to the family pass for an additional $25. Family passes will cover immediate family only (which is two parents and siblings that are living within the home address on the pass application).

Health and safety of pool guests is the top priority of Gering Pool staff. The City of Gering is abiding by all State of Nebraska Directed Health Measures and has been working with Panhandle Public Health District to provide a safe environment for pool guests. In order to be in compliance with Directed Health Measures, restrictions have been put in place at the pool. It may take some time to get acclimated to new policies but staff ask that guests be patient and follow ALL rules and focus on social distancing of 6’ with people outside their immediate family. Pool capacity has been reduced to 240 people in the large pool and deck areas and 12 people will be allowed in the baby pool area. These capacity numbers will be strictly enforced. Groups of six may gather together for seating but will need to be separated from other groups by 6’. The pool deck and picnic areas will be marked to remind guests of appropriate spacing.

An additional pool deck area has been created in the grass area north of the pool slide and diving board. Guests are asked to spread out as much as possible and utilize the new area. The additional area was made possible by a very generous donation of temporary fencing by VanPelt Fencing. Because of the donated fencing, 8,000 square feet were added to the deck area therefor providing a safe, separated environment for pool patrons. Limited seating will be available around the concrete pool deck; patrons are encouraged to bring their own chairs.

Swimming lessons are to be determined with more information forthcoming.