Regulars at Petaluma’s Cavanagh Recreation Center are reeling after the city abruptly shuttered the historic warm-water pool last Friday, citing safety and staffing concerns.
Per the Petaluma Argus-Courier, the city claims the private operator lacked enough dedicated lifeguards for deck surveillance, while the operator disputes this, calling the move a sudden and unnecessary disruption for the elderly “Pool Peeps” who rely on the water for physical therapy.
After a heated City Council meeting this week, officials apologized for the lack of notice and promised to hire new staff to reopen the pool within weeks rather than months.
