St. Cloud Wading Pools Will Remain Closed this Summer

(KNSI) – Young kids won’t be able to beat the summer heat at St. Cloud’s wading pools after a decision made Monday afternoon.

The city’s parks department has closed the pools due to a lack of lifeguards. Mayor Dave Kleis says despite the city’s best efforts, they couldn’t find anyone to work at the pools; therefore, the pools will be closed again in 2022. The pools were closed in 2021 and 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Monday’s decision could mark an end to St. Cloud’s wading pools. Kleis told KNSI News that there’s a strong push from city staff and neighborhoods to convert the wading pools into splash pads due to the expense of maintaining the pools. Kleis says it costs the city $60,000 to $70,000 a year to keep a pool open. The pools will remain dry so that no one can use them. The wading pools are in Centennial Park, Haws Park, Hester Park, Pantown Park, Rotary Park, Seberger Park and Spalt Park.

Officials say most of the demand and usage over the last few years has been for splash pads.

He says the city is asking lawmakers to allow St. Cloud to put a special ballot provision to the voters in November for park upkeep and maintenance. Kleis says if that’s approved, money from that fund will help convert the wading pools to splash pads.

The city already has three splash pads that are open and operating. They are at Eastman Park, Riverside Park and Westwood Park.

The city is working with St. Cloud State University to have paddle boat rentals available on Lake George this summer.

In April, officials said the pools would be open for the season. In May, Mayor Dave Kleis said the city had staffing issues with its pools.

Sauk Rapids also announced their pool is closed until further notice. Sartell’s wading pool is being staffed by lifeguards from the St. Cloud YMCA and will be open.

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