Residents who are looking forward to outdoor swimming can mark their calendars for Memorial Day weekend.

Following a delayed opening last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the town’s two public outdoor swimming locations — Eichler’s Cove and the pool at Treadwell Park — are both scheduled to open for the 2021 season at their traditional time. Both locations are set to open on Saturday, May 29.

As with last year, however, there will still be safeguards in place — at least for the time being — to continue tamping down COVID-19 transmission. Parks & Recreation Director Amy Mangold told The Newtown Bee this week that a reservation system will again be in place for both locations.

“Non-vaccinated individuals are recommended to wear masks and social distance,” she added.

Mangold will be meeting with Health Department Director Donna Culbert “to discuss our COVID plans this summer to see where we can safely relax,” she also shared.

Hours And Exceptions

Eichler’s Cove & Marina is at 11 Old Bridge Road. Treadwell Park is at 47 Philo Curtis Road.

In addition to freshwater swimming, Eichler’s Cove offers a marina, a boat launch, picnic area, canoe/kayak racks, and a small shaded area.

Treadwell pool is part of a complex with locker and changing facilities. The pool is an eight-lane, 25-yard pool with a diving L and separate wading pool.

Treadwell Park amenities additionally include four tennis courts, a pickleball court, basketball court, two playground areas, two pavilions, a multipurpose baseball/softball field, a regulation size artificial turf soccer field, and a multi-purpose artificial turf field.

With a few exceptions, swimming access hours for both locations will be 3 to 7 pm, Monday through Friday, and 9 am to 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday, May 29-June 1; 11 am to 7 pm weekdays, and 9 am to 7 pm weekends, June 14 through August 22; and 4 to 7 pm weekdays, and 9 am to 7 pm weekends, August 23 through September 5.

The pool will be closed daily between noon and 1 pm for lifeguard lunch breaks.

On Monday, May 31 (Memorial Day), the pool will be open from 9 am until 7 pm.

On weekdays between June 28 and August 6, the pool will be closed to the public between 1 and 2 pm, when day camp open swim is held.

The pool will have a delayed opening on Monday, July 5, when it opens at 9 am.

The pool will close for the season after Monday, September 6 (Labor Day). It will be open that day from 1 to 7 pm.

Access to the pools is through residency memberships. Rates vary from $15 for a day pass to $50 for a six-visit pass to $75 for an individual membership to $200 for families of three or four. Additional family members can be added for $25/person. Senior citizens — residents age 60 and over — receive free memberships.

Membership cards must be shown to gain access to the pool or cove.

Contact Newtown Parks & Recreation, at 203-270-4340 or newtown-ct.gov/parks-recreation for full details and memberships.

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Associate Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.