The Rushford Aquatic Center got the green light to open for the season June 22. At the time, city staff cautioned the public, eager for summer fun, that opening could take 30 days. The city’s public works department and aquatic center staff had it open in 28, welcoming patrons July 6.
Phase III modifications of the governor’s reopening plan put several restrictions in place for the pool. Among them are six-foot social distancing in the pool, on the deck, and throughout the facility, unless patrons are from the same family, and a maximum capacity of 50%, or 120 people. To better serve members of its own community, the center gave residents of the Rushford-Peterson School District first priority in usage. No swimming lessons or season passes were offered.
Now, one week in; aquatic center staff has received several recommendations and adjusted operations to better suit patron turnout. Those attending must register with full contact information and undergo a health screening. To date, 65 families are registered. The peak attendance day saw 97 swimmers.
“Staff is really paying attention to the best use of their time,” noted City Clerk Kathy Zacher. “It’s really surprising how few people use the pool on Saturday and Sunday. They have not ever reached the peak capacity.” She further explained that patrons have come from outside of the school district area, but that those in the district were given precedence first. “If we reach capacity and there are others first, they’ll have to wait. They can show up and take their chances. If there’s room we let them in.”
Groups from Good Shepherd Daycare and R-P Kids’ Club have attended as well. The groups come on alternating days and have provided a list of numbers prior to their visits.
“I hope people understand this is just one year,” added Zacher. “We thank people for being understanding. It’s been good.”
A generous $500 donation from Councilor Leigh Volkman and his wife Kayla has been a help to the center. Volkman readily admitted the donation was Kayla’s idea. “She wanted things for the kids to do so she thought it was a good idea,” he stated after receiving thanks from the rest of the council.
“The kids that are there are enjoying it and they’re not all clumped up,” said Councilor Sally Ryman. “They’re having a good time.”
“It worked,” added Mayor Terri Benson.
With one popular summer activity successfully under its belt, the city is also prepping for the annual Bluff Land Triathlon. The 3.1 mile run, 15.5 mile bike on the Root River State Trail, and 2.1 mile hike up Magelssen Bluff is a fundraising event for the Foundation for R-P Schools. With COVID-19 restrictions, the committee, Brenda Tesch, Kathy Wade, Joann Agrimson, Scott Bestul, June Vitse, Joyce Iverson, Jen Hengel, and Ryman, have worked diligently to make the event not only fun, but safe.
“They’ve put in a lot of time figuring out how we can do this safely,” stated Ryman. All registrations for the event are being done online this year and it will be limited to 100 participants. As they arrive, participants will pick up a preassembled packet, in directed lines, to maintain social distancing and limit contact.
A health screening checklist, including temperature checks, will be done prior to the start. “It will require contact with one volunteer; all contact information already obtained if any contract tracing is needed,” explained Ryman. Thus far, there are 33 entries and six were relay so organizers are currently expecting 45 participants.
The start line will see one-minute interval starts with no more than three participants at the line at a time. Prior to the start, each will place their bikes in marked off areas in the grass, giving the recommended spacing to all. “That way, there won’t be a bunch of people in one little area trying to grab their bikes,” added Ryman. Participants will be asked to wear masks before and after the event, but not during. Any non-participants attending must wear masks.
The committee is limiting non-participants as well, by cutting out some of the popular activities that typically encompass the day, including the national anthem and color guard, and music provided by a DJ. “They’re nice and a make good start, but they make people gather together and they about triple the number of volunteers needed,” stressed Ryman. “We’re trying to keep everything to a minimum.” A update of the event is expected at the next council meeting.
During the consent agenda, Mayor Terri Benson made note of plans for elections. It is being recommended that voters use absentee voting, if possible. Benson noted the particular ease of this process. Full details on how to complete absentee voting can be found on the website of the Minnesota Secretary of State: mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us.
Lastly, it was noted the Rushford Peterson Valley Chamber of Commerce is conducting a survey of businesses to determine what role, if any, the city can play in helping businesses affected by the pandemic. Further follow-up is expected at the next meeting.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Monday, July 27, at 6:30 p.m., via Zoom. Those wanting to attend the meeting should contact city hall.
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