We have some exciting news to share with you! Hanford pool will be opening on Wednesday, July 1! Yes, we are ahead of our schedule, and we will be ready to open for your swimming pleasure.
This will be a COVID-ERA pool, and the rules and regulations you experience will be very different from other years. But it will be very similar to neighboring pools that are also preparing to open.
Gainsborough pool will remain closed, largely due to the lack of an egress gate and a pool deck that is too small to allow for proper social distancing per Wayne County requirements.
Health and safety will be the top priority this year, and social distancing will be mandatory both on the pool deck and in the water. Parents will need to be present to enforce social distancing.
And for the first time, we will be taking reservations to reserve a spot at the pool. We are limited to 50 swimmers on the deck and the only fair way to give everyone a shot at the pool is to take reservations. We are asking that you only reserve one two-hour slot per day (excluding lap swimming) and limit yourself to three sessions per week. We’ll evaluate this as the summer progresses, and tweak it as necessary.
We know you have questions. Please read the FAQs below, which we think will answer most of those questions.
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Sunflower Village HOA COVID-19 FAQ
COVID-19 is a very real threat, and has created unprecedented times in Sunflower’s history. The uncertainty it has created in all aspects of our lives is unsettling. We hope this FAQ helps alleviate some of your concerns regarding our swimming pools. We appreciate your patience during this process.
If anyone in your family, including yourself, are ill, or have been exposed to COVID-19, DO NOT enter the pool deck.
This is a list of what the Board anticipates will be the majority of questions our residents may have. Please note: Although these are the current policies and procedures that have been established, they are subject to change if it becomes clear that something is not working, or there are changes to the CDC, county or state’s guidelines and mandates. We understand this situation is not ideal for anyone but know that the main focus is on the safety and health of our staff and residents. We truly appreciate your understanding.
Q: Will the pool open this season?
A: Yes! Hanford pool will open on July 1 to residents. Gainsborough pool will remain closed this summer. There is only one pool gate at Gainsborough pool, and the pool deck is not wide enough to allow for proper social distancing.
Q: What is Sunflower doing to ensure the safety and health of the residents and staff when Hanford Pool reopens this season?
A: As has always been the case, the health and safety of Sunflower’s residents and staff are the top priority. With this in mind, Sunflower has incorporated state, county, CDC, Red Cross, OSHA and MIOSHA mandated safety and health guidelines into the revised operating procedures. Please note that COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic, and although every effort is being taken to prevent the spread of this virus, it is highly contagious and Sunflower Village Homeowners Association cannot guarantee you will not be introduced or infected with COVID-19.
New health and safety requirements include:
- Every family entering the pool area will be required to read and sign a COVID-19 waiver stating that you are 1) COVID free and 2) you understand the risks of COVID. This waiver must only be signed once but must be signed by a parent or guardian before any child enters the pool.
- Six feet social distancing will be required at all times on the pool deck and in the water.
- The Board appreciates your cooperation in remaining six feet from anyone who is not living inside your own household.
- Parents are responsible for reminding their children of the six-foot rule and enforcing it.
- Masks are strongly recommended (not required) on the pool deck. Masks are required inside the bathrooms. Masks are not permitted in the water.
- A mandatory capacity limit of 50 residents per session will require the pool to host limited swim periods with a 30-minute break between sessions.
- High-touched surfaces will be wiped down by sanitization staff on a rotating basis during each session, and areas will be thoroughly cleaned during the 30-minute closure between sessions.
- DO NOT enter the pool area if you or anyone in your household is ill or experiencing symptoms.
Q: Do I need to reserve a space to visit the pool?
A: Yes. Reservations will be taken via SignUpGenius at the link Sunflower Pool Sign-up. Please limit your experience to one slot per day, no more than two slots per week, and only one weekend day. Offenders will be notified via e-mail, and if the pattern continues the family’s pool privileges will be removed. As the summer unfolds, this may change.
Sessions are scheduled for:
11:00 – Noon – Lap and Athletic Swim (Residents who are 16 years old or older)
12:30 – 2:30 – Family Open Swim *
3:00 – 5:00 – Family Open Swim *
5:30 – 7:30 – Family Open Swim *
Sessions will be available for reservation two weeks in advance.
*Any resident who has not reached their 16th birthday must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is willing to accept responsibility for social distancing in and out of the water.
Q: Will there be a capacity limit?
A: Yes. Per CDC and Wayne County social distancing guidelines, we are capped at 50 bathers per session. This number ensures adequate room for proper social distancing in the pool and on the pool deck.
Q: Will there still be adult swims?
A: Yes. Adult swims will be scheduled 45 minutes into each session.
Q: What happens if there is an emergency?
A: Lifeguards may blow their whistles during any open swim if they deem the pool too crowded. In the unlikely event of a water or pool deck emergency, a warning alarm will be sounded, indicating the water is to be cleared immediately. A two-blast whistle warning will be sounded indicating 10 minutes are remaining in any family swim session.
Q: What if I reserve and my plans change?
A: The reservation system makes it very easy to cancel your reservations. Please be considerate to anyone wishing to swim and cancel your reservation if your plans change.
Q: I forgot to sign up, can I still swim?
A: To avoid lines and disappointment, sessions should be blocked in advance. You may not make a reservation on the day you desire to swim. However, you will be able to see the availability so you can see availability of a session, and how many slots are still open. Walk-in candidates will be accepted as long as availability permits. If you are waiting for a walk-in spot, 6-feet social distancing must be maintained while waiting in line. We suggest arriving 10-15 minutes after the start of the session to allow time for registered residents to be processed and avoid lines.
Q: Will there still be the children’s parties this year? How about swim lessons?
A: There will not be any swim lessons or parties this year.
Q: How do I get into the pool this year?
A: The usual gate (facing the tennis courts) will be used to enter the pool. Confirm your reservation at the table located in front of the restrooms. To exit the pool, use the gate marked EXIT, located in the southwest corner of the pool deck.
Q: Will there be lounge chairs this year?
A: No. All the lounge chairs have been relocated to the Gainsborough pool for storage. You are welcome to bring your own captain’s style chair, but no lounge chairs please. Social distancing on the pool deck does not permit lounge chairs. Green dots have been placed on the pool deck, indicating social distancing pods where you are welcome to set up your chairs/towels. Please only set up your chairs in these areas.
Q: Will residents have access to the bathrooms?
A: Yes. The bathrooms will be available for emergencies only, but the showers and drinking fountain will not be. Residents are asked to shower and dress before leaving their homes and expect to depart without taking a shower. It is highly recommended to bring a non-breakable bottle of drinking water as well.
Q: May my children play with pool toys this summer?
A: Yes – small toys that fit in their hands are allowed. Also goggles, water wings, and infant swimming assist devices will be allowed. Balls, noodles, and flotation devices will not be permitted.
Q: Will there be Red Dot Certification this summer?
A: No. Sunflower will not be offering Red Dot Certification this summer. No one under the age of 16 will be permitted to use the pool without an adult present. COVID waivers must be signed for all residents.
Q: Are there guest passes this year?
A: Guest passes will not be honored this year. This allows the maximum number of residents to swim.
Q: What is a COVID waiver and why must I sign it?
A: The COVID waiver is a legal document required by insurance companies. It outlines your rights in a COVID era pool setting. Most swimming pools are requiring patrons to complete and sign waivers this year, and Sunflower is requiring a signed waiver before entering the pool deck. This document will be e-mailed to you upon registration, or additional copies can be received at the pool check-in station. Parents/Guardians of minors will be asked to sign waivers on behalf of their children. Once a waiver has been signed and is on file, you will not be required to complete the COVID waiver for the pool again.
Q: What happens if residents are acting in a disruptive way and not following the rules?
A: Our lifeguards have been given the authority to announce over megaphone to close the pool due to people not following the rules, disruptive behavior or any reason they deem fit. Unfortunately, if individuals misbehave it will ruin it for everyone. Follow the rules or lose the pool.
Q: I still have questions. Who do I contact?
A: If you still have questions, please e-mail svha@sbcglobal.net.
