August 7, 2026
For Immediate Release
Roosevelt Park Pool to Close Early for the 2026 Season Due to Staffing Shortage
Minot, ND— The Minot Park District is announcing an earlier-than-planned closing date of August 17th for Roosevelt Park Pool due to limited staffing as the summer season comes to an end.
To safely operate the big pool alone, Roosevelt Park Pool requires a minimum of five lifeguards on duty. As the Roosevelt Park Pool staff is primarily made up of high school and college students, the return to school each August is always a challenging time for staffing. While the Park District has explored alternative options, including closing off portions of the pool, staff have concluded that this is not a safe or effective solution, as there is no efficient way to completely close off access to the closed portion of the pool.
“Safety is always our number one priority,” said Elly DesLauriers, Minot Parks Executive Director. “The safety of our guests and staff guides every decision we make. We did not come to this decision lightly and have discussed many alternative options, but ultimately, none allow us to maintain the level of safety needed. We are committed to providing a safe environment for everyone who visits our facilities.”
Because of the earlier season closure, the annual Soggy Doggy Pool Paw-ty will be rescheduled to an earlier date. Additional details, including the new event date and time, will be announced as soon as they are finalized.The Minot Park District appreciates the community’s understanding and support as it prioritizes the safety of both guests and staff.