SLO County announces pools will remain closed for summer, libraries to offer curbside services

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -- San Luis Obispo County operated pools will remain closed throughout the summer season.

The SLO County Parks and Recreation Department made the announcement Friday.

It said the decision was due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions and the unknown timeline when pools would be allowed to operate safely throughout the state.

“This is not a decision we take lightly,” said County Parks Director Nick Franco. “We realize the significant impact this has on a number of families throughout our county.”

The county operates pools in San Miguel, Shandon, Templeton, Cayucos, Cambria, Santa Margarita Lake and at Coastal Dunes RV Park in Oceano.

These pools are typically open between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.

However, pools are now closed during the state's current Stage 2 of Governor Gavin Newsom's Resilience Roadmap reopening plan.

“We had to consider our need to move forward with some degree of certainty this summer,” said Franco. “And we are making this decision now so staff can concentrate on the other COVID-19 response duties associated with camping, beach use, picnic areas and other operational restrictions that are in place and take considerable staff time. We certainly expect to be able to return to our normal pool operations next summer.”

Also on Friday, the county announced staged reopening at three library branches will begin next Tuesday.

Starting June 2, branches in San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande and Atascadero will offer curbside pickup services.

“Some of our online services continue as always including e-books, audiobooks, movies, zipbooks, and our online summer reading program,” said County Libraries Director Christopher Barnickel. “Library cardholders can begin placing holds on items in the www.slolibrary.org catalog on Monday, June 1 for pickups starting on Tuesday, June 2. You can get text, email and phone\ notifications when your items are ready at your desired branch for pick up.”

Curbside services will be available at all three locations on Tuesday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Library card holders will be able to check out up to 10 items.

There will be a three-week limit on print items, and a one-week limit for other media.

Materials can be returned at any of the county's 14 branch locations.

All county libraries remain closed to the public until further notice.

For more information, visit www.slolibrary.com