City of Medina has yet to get OK to open splash pads

MEDINA — Despite being weeks away from Memorial Day, there are no plans right now to open the city's two splash pads. Medina Parks Director Jansen Wehrley said the city wants to open the splash pads, but is restricted by the state's guidelines. The CDC's guidelines for public pools, hot tubs and water playgrounds, as well as the state's Responsible RestartOhio requirements for aquatic facilities prevent the opening of the splash pads at Fred Greenwood Park, 350 W. Sturbridge Drive, and Ray Mellert Park, 331 N. Huntington St. Wehrley said there are many challenges to operating the splash pads during a pandemic, where the city has no control on how many people are in the park, no staff on hand and no regular cleaning schedule. There's no way to socially distance those using the pads. He said during a summer day, as many as 50 to 100 people can show up at the splash pads, especially at Greenwood Park. Buses of day care children from Medina, Brunswick, Wadsworth and other communities show up from time to time. "Right now, we can't say if they will or won't happen," Wehrley said. "We will follow guidelines." The parks director said the health department would issue the city a license to operate those pads like it does every year. "The problem is, we have to follow those guidelines," he said. If it would open and a large crowd would show up and with little or no social distancing, there could be complaints and the health department would have to investigate. He said the city could be liable of not adhering to those guidelines. "We can't administratively make a decision to open those splash pads until the guidelines change and we can safely do so," he said. "For us, if our amenities aren't open, it's a disservice to the community. Unfortunately, we can't assume this is a normal year as much as we'd like to. There are still restrictions on the pool and the rec center." The splash pads normally open Memorial Day, which is May 31. The city plans on opening the outdoor pool at that time and hopes to expand the number of participants this summer. Wehrley said the city works hard to keep both of pads open and functioning properly seven days a week. "However, we have to make decisions that are responsible for the community and the city," he said. "The opening of the splash pads will be determined with guidance offered by only our local health officials and city administration." Medina Mayor Dennis Hanwell said he, along with City Council, are disappointed, but have to follow the rules and CDC guidelines. "We do not have available staff to meet those requirements," he said. "If the requirements change or are altered and we may open, we would be eager to do so." Wehrley said his staff is preparing the splash pads as if they will open. Then, if the guidelines are relaxed, there won't be a delay. He said the city used CARES Act funding to install touch-free sinks, toilets and hand dryers in the public restrooms at the two splash pads. Also, a motion-activated sensor to run the splash pad at Greenwood Park was installed (Mellert already had one). "We've taken proactive steps," Wehrley said. "The biggest challenge we have is the splash pads are in the middle of a park and we have no control of how many people go there. "It's frustrating." Concerned resident Jeanne Pritchard said the city should do all it can to open the splash pads. "Recreation is for all kids," she said. "Not all of our kids in the community have had an equal opportunity to participate. Splash pads in Medina gave all children an opportunity, plus the city has invested in two splash pads. COVID has not been an issue with splash pads and most cities have opened them across Ohio with no reported incidents. With the city's investment and no reported health issues in Ohio, why should we let them sit idle?" Contact reporter Bob Finnan at (330) 721-4049 or rfinnan@medina-gazette.com.