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Seattle Parks and Recreation to reopen Medgar Evers Pool on a pilot basis

Update 6/14/21: please see this post instead since pool offerings and procedures have changed.

As a pilot project, Medgar Evers Pool in Central Seattle will reopen to the public for lap swimming and independent water fitness beginning Feb. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.  Swimmers must be age 13 and up. Pool admission must be reserved in advance online or via phone 206-684-4766. The first reservations can be made on Feb. 10 at noon. (Video demo of registration here.)

The Governor’s guidance for counties in Phase 2 does allow for pools to operate if they are at a reduced capacity and follow public health guidelines. For pool visitors that will look like limited access to common areas and lockers, mask wearing when not in the pool, and temperature checks upon entry. Additional safety measures for staff and the facility will include increased cleaning, temperature checks for staff and pool users, masks required when not in the pool, and two or fewer users per lane. For more information about the WA State Department’s guidance on pool operations under Phase 2, please see here.

Compliance with safety guidance is critical to keeping this facility open and safe for all.

At this time, only lap swim and independent water fitness (independent water jogging or exercise) will be offered at the pool. We are not currently offering swim lessons, recreational swim, or family swim. We are hopeful that we may be able to add other swim sessions soon.

For info about the pool schedule and offerings, see here.  A must-read FAQ can be found here. A video demonstration about what to expect as you arrive for your reserved swim session can be viewed here.

For a video illustrating how to use the pool during this time, see this link.

Seattle Parks and Recreation continues to keep most pools closed. With public health restrictions, limited staffing, and a reduced budget reopening all pools is not currently feasible. As Medgar Evers operates more regularly and safely, we are hopeful that we can open additional pools and aquatics program as staffing and health guidance allows.

For the most current list of what’s open and what’s closed please visit this web page.