At Wake Forest pool complex, work turns to cleanup after infection scare
Wake Forest's three-pool waterpark, which opened late last summer after weather-related construction delays, is closed again during the dog days of summer. This time, the Holding Park Aquatic Center closed after health officials learned that a person with a diarrhea-causing germ Cryptosporidium visited the pool before showing symptoms of infection.
Crypto, a parasite that can survive for days, even in the chlorination of a public pool, is one of the most common causes of illness among those who swim. The parasite lives in the pool water and can enter someone's system if they accidentally swallow it.
"Once we're notified, we have to take action, which is what we did. We've shut down," said Ruben Wall, Wake Forest's director of parks and recreation.
After remaining closed Friday, Wall said pool staff, including lifeguards and managers would spend at least another day – Saturday – in cleaning mode to be sure the facility is safe.
"They're going to clean bathrooms, countertops, doorknobs, fencing, everything that's there," Wall said. "It won't be a fun day tomorrow, trust me."
Martha Emmons hadn't heard the news about the closure when she brought her grandson, Zack, to the pool Friday.
"It's disappointing, but I guess it's the right thing to do," she said. "Better safe than sorry."
The closure comes mid-way through the Holding Park Aquatic Center's first full season. The $3.2 million, multi-pool and splashgrounds opened only in September of last year after a series of contruction delays.
