By Wendy Sigmund
The Bear Creek Community Center has opened the pool to the public. There are strict safety precautions in place to keep the public out of danger. There are cleaning protocols, strict limits on occupancy, face coverings, and guests are required to use hand sanitizer on entrance to and exit from the facility. There are reduced hours.
The manager, Hallie Greene, told the SCMB that only 35 people are allowed into the facility. The furniture has already been set up for social distancing, and each table chair or lawnchair is cleaned between each person’s use. The chemicals used are approved by the state department of health. Here is a list of hours and cost: Pool hours rec swim, Tuesday—Friday 2:30-5pm, $10; Adult swim, Wednesday and Friday, 5:30—6:30, $5; Adult swim, Saturday 12—1pm, $5; Rec swim, Saturday, 1:30-4pm, $10. Visit the website to make a reservation.
Keeping yourself, your family and your neighbors safe during this time of pandemic is the highest priority. You need to make an individual choice each time you walk out the door or decide to join a small gathering. Erring on the side of caution is always a wise move.
A lot of people are in favor of opening up the strict shelter in place mandate given by the Governor of California, Gavin Newesom. And a lot of people are not. He has the very difficult job of balancing the public health crisis with that of the economic crisis at the same time as taking into account the social impact of isolation. Opening slowly is the course of action he has chosen. This put some of the choice back on the individual. We have seen counties opening up activities, only to see spikes in the number of illnesses, and then close back down. This could happen in Santa Cruz County as well. If we are to remain open it is up to each individual to take the necessary precautions.
The opening up of the public pool is a way to combat the very detrimental effects of social isolation. If you are in any way feeling symptoms of illness please stay home. Continue practicing shelter in place. If you are, however, not feeling symptoms and feel the very real negative mental impact of isolation associated with sheltering in place, this may be a way for you to combat those feelings. This is an opportunity to leave your house, and engage with your neighbors in a safe environment.
So, if we are ready to take on this challenge, if we keep ourselves and others safe every time, then I will see you at the pool. Do not expect a hug though. Not yet.
Stay safe neighbors