The Ponca City Parks and Recreation Department opened up splash pads, playgrounds and parks last Friday in accordance with Gov. Kevin Stitt’s open up safely plan.

Stitt is expected to announce additional measures on Friday for Oklahoma to move into Phase 3 beginning Monday, June 1.

The usual schedule of when public pools would have opened up was set for Memorial Day, but this year there is a slight delay to ensure the safety of the general public due to the current pandemic over COVID-19.

“According to the CDC, there is limited access to pools and once opened, they will be operating at 50% capacity, social distancing will still be in effect and we are optimistic that once Governor Stitt addresses the public on Friday, he will hopefully allow us to move into Phase 3 of his plan as long as the numbers are where they should be. We are hopeful that Ambucs and Wentz Public Pools will be able to open on June 1, if and when the Governor gives the go ahead on Friday,” said Eric Newell, director of the Parks and Recreation Department.

“There will be extra restrictions in place once we do get to Phase 3 and Governor Stitt makes that announcement. We are currently finalizing some things at Ambucs Pool and would also like to remind the public that pool passes are available at the RecPlex. You can get 25 passes for $20 to save yourself some money this summer. Also, as members of the RecPlex, you also have access to Wentz and Ambucs Pools by showing your RecPlex Card. This is just another benefit of being a RecPlex member.”