Tempe reopening city-operated gyms, Kiwanis pool next week
Mar 11, 2021, 4:55 AM | Updated: 10:25 pm
(City of Tempe photo)
PHOENIX — The city of Tempe announced Wednesday that city-operated gyms and the Kiwanis pool will reopen next week as COVID-19 metrics continue to decline.
City-operated gyms and fitness centers at Kiwanis, Escalante and North Tempe community centers will reopen Monday with capacity limitations in place to allow for physical distancing, along with a requirement of face coverings, according to a press release.
The Kiwanis pool will also reopen Monday for fitness and fun swim sessions, with swim lessons returning on April 13. Pool capacity is limited to 50 people and face coverings will be required when not in the water.
The Westside Multi-Generational Center, Tempe City Hall, Tempe History Museum, Edna Vihel Arts Center, Pyle Adult Recreation Center, Tempe Center for the Arts and all city senior centers remain closed while the Tempe Public Library continues to operate under limited services.
A significant decline in COVID-19 cases over the past several weeks and two of the three state health business benchmarks being in the moderate zone is what led city officials to believe the facilities can safely reopen, according to the release.
Tempe closed city-operated gyms and fitness centers and halted sports tournaments on Dec. 4 as COVID-19 metrics spiked across the state around the holiday season. The Kiwanis pool, which had been closed for renovations, also remained shuttered.
The Kiwanis Tennis Center, city playgrounds and ramadas remained open because physical distancing could be safely achieved.