Where can we go swimming during a pandemic summer? Here’s what’s open
As this summer heats up, we want to know: Where can we go swimming?
Even though most local municipal pools are closed for the summer due to the pandemic, there are some options.
Those options can change in this fluid situation, so check back here for updates, or add a comment about a place you know of where we can make a splash.
Also, you might notice that many beaches that are open this summer will not have lifeguards. Lifeguard training is difficult at this time, a Ramsey County spokesperson said, because people have to be in close proximity during training and they cannot wear masks.
Stay safe out there.
Pools
The YMCA in White Bear Lake as well as the Y's location in Shoreview both have outdoor pools and will reopen on June 22. Membership is required. Other YMCAs offer indoor pools, including Woodbury, which opens June 16. For more info, visit the Y's website. Life Time also has indoor and outdoor pools for its members. Scroll down for info on Anoka County's water park, which is currently open only to Anoka County residents.
Dakota County
Dakota County has sandy beaches at two of its parks. One of them, Lake Byllesby Beach in Cannon Falls, is closed for the season due to a previously planned improvement project. The other, Schulze Beach at Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan, is currently closed due to COVID-19. However, on June 12, the county announced on its Facebook page that "County staff are working on evaluating how this beach can re-open as safely as possible. At this time, there is not a date available for re-opening. We ask, and thank you, for your continued patience as we navigate re-opening popular public park amenities and facilities during this time."
Apple Valley
The pools are closed, but the splash pad at Kelley Park, 6855 Fortino St., is expected to open soon. Check for an update on the city's website.
Burnsville
The Burnsville Lions Playground and Splash Pad are now open at Cliff Fen Park, a 40-acre park with access to the Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge. The splash pad is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through the third weekend in September, weather permitting.
Eagan
Cascade Bay Waterpark is closed for the season and the Central Park Splash Pad, adjacent to the Festival Grounds Pavilion, 1507 Central Parkway, is currently closed. More info on Eagan's COVID-19 information page.
Also: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers considerations for public pools, hot tubs and water playgrounds during COVID-19.
Rosemount
The Rosemount Splash Pad at Central Park, 2893 145th St. W., opened on June 10 and is available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Central Park bathrooms are also open. The city asks visitors to practice social distancing, wash hands before and after playing and to stay home when someone in your household is sick.
West St. Paul
West St. Paul's outdoor pool and the Harmon Park Splash Pad are closed for the season, according to a COVID-19 update from May 26 on the city's website.
St. Paul
Water park: Great River Water Park is closed, along with along with all other St. Paul Parks and Recreation buildings, facilities and community centers.The city says that "we will continue to monitor the situation, but we expect them to remain closed at least until late summer or early fall."
Outdoor pools: The city's outdoor aquatic options — Como Regional Park Pool and Highland Park Aquatic Center — will not open this summer. Why not? The city explains on its website: "The ability to safely operate our outdoor pools requires a rigorous hiring and lifeguard training process that needs to start in early March to be successful. Additionally, our service model does not easily allow us to start and stop services should the 'Stay Safe MN' dials determined by the State of Minnesota fluctuate throughout the summer."
Splash pads: "Splash pads will remain off until further public health guidance is available and it is determined they can be safely turned on," the city says.
Other options: Previously, the city said that "we are exploring other ways for our residents to safely cool off." On June 12, a parks and recreation spokeswoman said that "we are examining latest guidance from the State of Minnesota related to additional cooling options. Decisions are still pending." Visit Stpaul.gov/parks-covid19 for updates.
Ramsey County
Water park: Battle Creek Waterworks, the county's water park at Battle Creek Regional Park in Maplewood, is closed for the summer.
Beaches: The county's beaches are also closed — for now. "The Parks and Recreation staff are working closely with public health staff," says a county spokeswoman. "We're monitoring the situation and hope to open the beaches as soon as we can." This closure affects both the typically guarded swimming beaches as well as the county's unguarded beaches. Check for updates on Ramsey County's website.
Minneapolis
Beaches:The city's 12 beaches are open during regular park hours, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. There are no lifeguard services provided. Signs (in multiple languages) are being posted to inform beach visitors that lifeguards are not on duty and to encourage social distancing and following of COVID-19 guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health. Swimming buoys are being installed by June 13 at all of the beaches Drinking fountains remain closed; please bring a water bottle. Portable toilets are available at all beach locations except for Cedar Lake South.
Aquatic facilities: Wading pools, waterparks and the Webber Natural Swimming Pool are all closed this summer. On its website, the city explains: "The level of public congregation that takes place at aquatic facilities and the level of staff required to operate these facilities limit possibilities for opening and managing these facilities safely this summer."
Washington County
Beaches: Washington County's swimming beaches at Big Marine Park Reserve, Square Lake Park and Point Douglas Park are open through Sept. 7 (Labor Day) with no lifeguards on duty for the season. "When using the beach," the county recently posted on its Facebook page, "please follow all beach rules, maintain social distancing, refrain from group gatherings, and be advised restrooms/changing rooms are not open but satellite toilets will be available." More info on the county's website.
Pond: The swimming pond at Lake Elmo Park Reserve will not open this season, in part because it would be difficult for patrons to maintain proper social distancing at the swimming pond, Washington County authorities say.
Minnesota State Parks
As of June 10, Minnesota State Park beaches and pond pools remain closed.
Wisconsin
Beaches: Located just over the border in Wisconsin, the public swimming beach is open at Lakefront Park on the St. Croix River in downtown Hudson. So are local restaurants and shops. The park is located at 505 1st St. in Hudson, about 17 miles from St. Paul.
The swimming beach at Willow River State Park, 1034 Co. Hwy A, Hudson, is open, but the park is subject to capacity limits to allow for social distancing. Check its status before driving out. Other info at the website for Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources.
The water parks at the Wisconsin Dells are starting to reopen. For information, visit the COVID-19 update page on WisDells.com.
Three River Parks District
Ponds: The swimming ponds at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove and Lake Minnetonka Regional Park in Minnetrista will open on June 26 (with social distancing guidelines) — the $18 season pass wristbands can be purchased online now (required for ages 1 and up). The swimming ponds feature sandy beaches and filtered, chlorinated water. There are also large beach umbrellas for shade.
Bloomington
Beach: Bush Lake Beach, located at 9140 E. Bush Lake Rd., opened on June 12. No lifeguards, concession stand or indoor restrooms. Please practice social distancing. If you are not in the water, please wear a face mask if social distancing is not possible. Users are encouraged to bring their own water to drink as there will be no running water. Portable toilets will be provided. Bush Lake Beach will be open from sunrise to 10 p.m. each day. Admission is free. More info on the city's website.
Splash pad: The splash pad at Cedarcrest Park, 8700 Bloomington Ave. S., will open once the amenity's scheduled repairs have been completed.
Pool: The Bloomington Family Aquatic Center is closed for the season.
Anoka County
Beaches: Four swimming beaches in Anoka County — at Coon Lake County Park, Lake George Regional Park, Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve and Martin-Island-Linwood Lakes Regional Park) are open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Labor Day. The Rice Creek, Coon Lake and Lake George beaches also have creative playgrounds and, in addition, the Centerville and Lake George beaches have volleyball courts. Restrooms are open and cleaned three times a day. Beaches are being monitored and capacity limits are being enforced. Vehicle permit passes ($6 daily/$30 annual) are required at regional parks, and are also honored at regional parks in Washington County). More info on Anoka County Parks' COVID-19 page.
Note: Lake George Regional Park in Oak Grove is closed from June 12-14, Anoka County Parks has announced, after authorities used tear gas on a rowdy crowd that refused to disperse on Friday).
Pools: Bunker Beach Water Park is closed for the season, but the Anoka Aquatic Center will open on June 15 to Anoka County residents only and only to season pass holders (no daily passes will be sold). Passes cost $50 for individuals and $30 for seniors. Other pandemic protocols will be in place, including temperature scans, reduced capacity and bring-your-own chairs. More info on the County's website.
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