Peirce Island Outdoor Pool Opens June 21 -- No Reservations Required

In agreement with guidance from Portsmouth City Manager Karen Conard and City Health Officer, the City Recreation Department will open the Peirce Island Outdoor Pool for the summer season, June 21 through August 20, 2021, with no reservations required. The pool will be open from 11 am to 6 pm, seven days a week. Only Portsmouth residents will be admitted, with a limited number at one time. Admission is free.

The following safety precautions will be in place:

1. The pool house will be open, with all of the windows and doors open. Staff will monitor occupancy, so that it does not become over-crowded.
2. The pool will open with a capacity of 200, with patrons asked to maintain physical distancing between households in and around the pool.
3. Chairs will be set out on the deck in groups and visitors are asked not to move them.

Swim lessons are not planned as of now due to the need for physical distancing in the pool between instructor and students.

City Manager Conard said, “The ability to reopen the Peirce Island Outdoor Pool to something a little closer to normal, is a cautious step for all of us. The biggest concern right now is that children under 12 are still not able to be vaccinated. As a community, we still need to be looking out for those who for whatever reason cannot be vaccinated and are at risk for contracting or transmitting COVID-19 to the vulnerable. The data does suggest, however, that being outside this summer is the best choice any of us can make.”