The Marshalltown City Council decided to buck a statewide trend and directed the parks & Rec staff to move ahead with a phased opening of the Aquatic Center. With the cost of operating the Center, the delay in opening the facility due to the pandemic and public safety, a motion was made to close the Aquatic Center for the season. Councilor Bethany Wirin had a different opinion, saying the community needed an outlet to get outside during the summer.

The motion to close the Center failed to pass, so staff will be looking at a two phase opening. Approximately15 communities around the state have already decided to close community pools this season. The Ames City Council last night made the decision to close the Furman Aquatic Center for the summer.