Everybody in! After closing for high E. coli levels, Shore Park and Coes Pond beaches reopen
WORCESTER — After closing because of the detection of elevated levels of E. coli Wednesday, Shore Park and Coes Pond beaches reopened Thursday.
According to the city, lab results have determined the beaches’ bacteria levels to be safe for swimming.
However, Coes Resevoir including the beach will temporarily close Friday due to invasive plant treatments. The city is planning to reopen the reservoir Saturday.
Contractors will be applying the algicide copper sulfate and the herbicide imazamox, known commercially as Clearcast, as a preventative treatment.
The city said there is currently no threat of harmful algae exposure at Coes Reservoir.
Along with ceasing water activities at Coes Reservoir, residents are advised to not use water from the reservoir for irrigation of plants or lawns or watering livestock.
Two beaches are coming back Thursday after only one city beach was left open Wednesday - Bell Pond Beach.
Worcester already started swimming season with Indian Lake Beach closed for a second consecutive year.
The city fell short of its target number of recruiting between 40 to 50 lifeguards. Bell and Coes ponds opened with no lifeguards present.
The lone city-run pool - Crompton Park Pool - opened with limited capacity and lifeguards.
The city's two splash parks, the Cristoforo Colombo and Greenwood spray parks, do not require lifeguards and will be open with normal hours.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: After closing for high E. coli levels, Shore Park and Coes beaches reopen
