The West Park Pool complex in DeRidder will be reopening on Tuesday, after Gov. John Bel Edwards’ announcement the state could now move into phase two of reopening.

The announcement came just in time for the pool to take advantage of this year’s summer season, and owner/ CEO Annette Duplechin said she has been swamped with questions since the pool’s announcement of its impending opening and is expecting a busy opening.

“I think it’s the excitement of at last something for families to do with all their pent-up energy from staying at home this spring. It’s getting hot, and people are ready,” Duplechin said.

In an effort to adhere to new safety guidelines and restrictions in regards to public capacity, Duplechin said this year’s patrons may experience a slightly different experience than last year.

Based upon those restrictions now in place, the pool will open on June 9 from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m. Saturdays, the pool will operate from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays it will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

There will be no groups of more than 10 allowed together unless they are in the same family, and social distancing will be enforced on the deck and in the slide lines by management. Lounge chairs and furniture will be spaced out according to those guidelines.

The pool’s concession stand will also be open to patrons, but will be restricted to selling only closed food items such as chips, ice cream, candy bars and closed drinks.

While visitors may wear masks while on the deck area if they wish, they will not be permitted in the water.

Duplechin said management at the pool will be diligent in monitoring social distancing and proper sanitation of the area throughout the day.

“Showering, washing of hands, and other measures for sanitation will be strictly enforced,” she said.

Daily admission costs will be $5 for swimmers and $2.50 for non-swimmers.

Semi and private party reservations will still be available, though the availability of time slots for such events has been reduced to maintain safe capacity levels.

The restrictions will require additional training and responsibilities for pool employees as the pool reopens, but Duplechin said she is confident she has the workforce to handle them, adding she hopes to begin offering new lifeguard training classes when the state moves into phase three.

“The new guidelines add another layer of training to our team,” she said.

The pool will also resume offering swim lessons, though those will now be offered on a private basis only.DeRidder West Park Pool

Courtesy of cityofderidder.org