The Ellsworth Swimming Pool will open sometime during the week of June 15 and practice for softball and baseball will start June 15, with games beginning at the end of June or the first of July. This all is subject to change, of course, depending upon what happens locally with COVID-19.

That was the consensus of the Ellsworth City Council at its May 26 meeting.

Precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be taken.

Patrick Hoffman, city attorney, said everyone who swims at the pool will be required to sign in first. That measure is being taken for contact tracing purposes.

The council also decided only the swimming pool will be opened. There will be no swimming lessons or additional programs offered this year.

Council member Darcy Hansen voiced concerns about parents who drop off their children at the swimming pool and leave. After a brief discussion, it was decided that parents must sign their children in before they leave the pool.

Ronnie Tenbrink, recreation director, said it will be difficult to follow the reopening guidelines for contact sports and swimming pools as set forth by the Kansas Parks and Recreation Association.

He has reviewed the guidelines with Kerianne Ehrlich, supervisor of the Ellsworth County Health Department, and will follow her recommendations.

Tenbrink and the council noted the softball and baseball teams will include USD 327 youngsters only. Tenbrink plans to start a sign-up for summertime sports as soon as possible.