Riordan Pool in Ottawa will remain closed through 2020 out of caution and a focus on public safety.

Commissioner of Public Improvements Marla Rodriguez confirmed the pool will remain closed this year due to the uncertainties arising as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“At this time, we don’t really know what’s going to happen,” Rodriguez said of the virus and how long it will take to pass through the community.

“Since we don’t really know if we’ll be able to open it, we’re going to keep it closed,” she later added.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has asked the public to adhere to a stay-at-home order until the end of the month after the number of cases of the virus in Illinois continued to climb. Even those gathering in public spaces have been asked to practice social distancing by keeping a six-foot space between each other and not gathering together in large groups.

Rodriguez said additionally the City Council has had to make budget cuts in certain places due to a reduction of income and sales taxes.

The pool costs the city roughly $100,000 annually to operate.

“And on top of that it always does need some repairs and we don’t want to start repairing stuff for the season if we’re unable to use it anyway,” Rodriguez said.

A formal announcement of the pool's closure will be made at Tuesday's City Council meeting, which will be viewable online. To watch the meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, visit the city's website cityofottawa.org and click on the available link to login to the meeting.

To minimize the amount of public in attendance, public comments are being accepted by emailing clerk@cityofottawa.org or mayordanaussem@cityofottawa.org. Comments should be submitted by 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

In addition to the pool, work on Thornton Park is expected to be extended a year. Rodriguez said the city is optimistic it’s matching grant for $300,000 from the state will be extended as a result of the pandemic, which would help support a new splash pad and remodeled tennis and pickleball courts.

Even if it’s not, the city expects to budget the improvements anyway for the park next year.