Charlestown parks board clears announcement authority as Jefferson Memorial pool nears opening

The Charlestown Board of Parks and Recreation heard an update July 9 on the Jefferson Memorial Park pool and authorized staff to publicize an opening once operations are confirmed.

Chair (speaker 2) told the board the pool is “full. It’s got lanes. The roof is on. The sign is on,” and that decking installation and a construction clean were scheduled for mid‑July, with permits and inspections still pending. Construction milestones led staff to propose a short staff‑only run‑through before publicly opening the facility.

Gavin, the parks manager, told the board he has “an availabilities sheet with all the lifeguards that I currently have onboarded. And as it stands, we are looking a little precarious when it comes to staffing,” citing roughly five guards currently available plus the pool manager. He described a recruitment plan that included a recent Facebook posting and outreach to Shepherd’s aquatics director to schedule a Red Cross lifeguard certification class the weekend of July 25; the Red Cross course requires an eight‑hour online module plus a three‑day in‑person session.

Board members discussed how to publicize the opening without raising false expectations if inspections or staffing require a short delay. Committee member (speaker 3) favored transparency: “If we have it beforehand, I feel it should be beforehand,” and urged that any announcement clearly state outstanding permit or staffing contingencies. Nick Chiquit (appearing virtually) suggested additional recruitment through county contacts and teen camp counselors.

The board approved a motion authorizing Gavin to announce the pool opening “as soon as they’re operationally ready,” with the parks manager asked to run announcement language by the board president before publication. The motion passed by voice vote.

What’s next: staff will continue recruiting lifeguards (including arranging certification opportunities), finalize daily hours and twilight schedules, and confirm inspections. The board signaled a preference for an honest, day‑of announcement if readiness remains uncertain, and asked staff to prioritize both safety and clear public communications.