The Newtown Community Center began its planned phased reopening on June 22, and, once the doors were open, residents began arriving.

“It’s been a busy morning,” Community Center Director Matthew Ariniello said, just before noon on Monday.

Splashing could already be heard from the Center’s pools.

It was the first day of Phase A of reopening, and there are four phases to the plan. With Phase A, as outlined on the Newtown Community Center website, newtowncommunitycenter.org, members could access the facility with restrictions and summer youth programs opened. Phase B is scheduled to start on June 29 and will begin modified water aerobics programs and parent-and-tot swim lessons along with level five and six swim lessons.

Ahead of the reopening, Ariniello posted a message that read in part, “We understand how important it will be to follow current health guidelines and implement new practices to ensure a healthy and safe environment. You will see new cleaning routines, signage to assist with social distancing, and limited activities where social distancing or guidance tells us it is not yet safe. All members will complete a new liability waiver including infectious disease policies. Please keep in mind, these guidelines are subject to change based on new information or additional guidance from local, state and health officials. Our team has begun training on the new required health and safety protocols prior to reopening and are looking forward to serving you.”

During the roughly 90 days that Newtown Community Center was closed due to local COVID-19 pandemic concerns, some accommodations and improvements were completed, according to Ariniello.

According to Ariniello, those improvements included enhancing the spray bay while providing “a new playful surface to our zero-depth entry space;” expanding the hot water circulation line to provide consistently hot showers; increasing security by alarming internal exterior doors and allowing exits through the main entrance of the building only; installing thresholds in the locker room to provide more dry space for changing stations; installing charging stations in the lobby for visitors to use; completing exterior gardens; painting the multipurpose room; setting up the center’s lending library so people can rent a tablet for free from the welcome desk to use while at the center; and posting new locker room rules in each locker room.

Ariniello said the exterior gardens were completed by the Community Center Commission with Planters Choice, Dan Holmes, Holmes Fine Gardens, and volunteers. Gardens now surround the perimeter of the building.

For more information about the phased reopening of Newtown Community Center see its website, newtowncommunitycenter.org, scroll down, and click “Re-Opening Plan.”