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The COVID-19 pandemic has ruled out a number of summer activities in the area, including some local pools.

Albert Lea’s pool will remain closed this summer, and the splash pad’s potential reopening will continue to be reevaluated through the season.

However, Wells Swimming Pool and Northwood Community Pool have opened with restrictions in place.

Wells Swimming Pool, 800 First Ave. SW in Wells, opened Friday, and can only be open at 50% capacity — about 144 people, according to pool manager Abi Renz. No pool furniture will be available, so those using the pool are encouraged to bring their own chairs. Extra sanitation procedures are in place, and pool staff will wear masks in the office.

The Wells pool’s hours are 1:30 to 5 p.m. and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 12:30 to 5 p.m. and 6:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. There’s an adult swim hour from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and a family swim hour from 5 to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Lap swim hours are from 7 to 8 a.m. and 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Daily passes are $4 all day for all ages, or $2 for evening only. Wells Swimming Pool can be contacted at 507-553-3613 about swim lessons or with other questions.

Northwood Community Pool plans to open Wednesday with a planned closing date of Aug. 9, according to its Facebook page. Pool passes will be required to enter the pool, and had to have been purchased prior to Wednesday’s opening. Passes were only going to be issued to residents of Northwood and families of the Northwood-Kensett school district. Areas will be marked off for social distancing.

According to the social media page, passes will not be required for swimming lessons, but priority will be given to Northwood-Kensett students, Northwood residents and those who have taken swim lessons from the Northwood pool in the past. Class sizes will be limited to six in the preschool class and eight in all other classes. Registration for the first session of swim lessons can only be done July 6 through 9 and July 13 through July 16. Registration for the second session can only be done July 27 through July 30 and Aug. 3 through Aug. 6. Questions about the Northwood pool, 714 Second Ave. S. in Northwood, can be directed to 641-324-1680.

As local communities find ways to keep busy and stay cool this summer, Renz said opening weekend went well for the Wells pool.

“It was pretty good, lots of business,” she said. “A lot of happy people.”