LOWER MACUNGIE

Lower Macungie Township announced April 27 it will not open the pool for the summer 2020 season.

“Due to major repairs needed on the pool, the COVID-19 restrictions on construction/repair businesses, as well as limitations and guidelines for pool operation, we will not be able to open for the season,” the announcement said.

“Thank you for understanding this difficult decision that we were forced to make under these unusual circumstances. We wish you good health and a wonderful summer.”

The Lower Macungie Lazers Swim Team, which meets at Lower Macungie Township pool, said they will keep the team posted as more details come to light.

Commissioner Ron Beitler responded to residents disappointment on Facebook.

“Just wanted to say, we’re very sorry for having had to make this decision. We’re all muddling through this and trying [to] handle the curveballs this pandemic is throwing us. As this group knows more than others, the opening of a public pool is a major undertaking and without clear information on when the state will green light public gatherings we needed to make the call sooner rather than later.

“Just to be clear the main driver was state guidance. The repair work was not the reason. As some know we’ve had a leak in the skimmer for a few seasons. This has been ongoing. And we would have opened Memorial Day like normal again this year with the problem. We just decided to take advantage of the closing to deal with it once and for all. We will also evaluate any other long-term maintanance we can get done this summer while the pool is closed so the facility will be in excellent shape for 2021.

“There were some broad discussions about the pool in general last budget season and there was agreement that the pool is something we’re committed to. It does lose a significant amount of money, but it’s something we feel is worth it to provide such a great amenity to the community.”