Public swimming pools and public swimming ponds are not the same thing. At least that is how the Department of Health has recognized them for the last three years.
The state’s 12 public swimming ponds are currently exempt from most department regulations that govern operation, maintenance, design, installation and construction of public pools. But that exemption is due to expire on June 30.
Rep. Bill Hilty (DFL-Finlayson) sponsors
HF763, which would remove the exemption expiration. Passed 130-1 by the House May 10, it goes to the Senate where Sen. Tony Lourey (DFL-Kerrick) is the sponsor.
The legislation was proposed after a December 2010 department report recommended the state continue to regulate public swimming pools and ponds differently.
The Legislature has defined a swimming pond as “an artificial body of water contained within a lined, sand-bottom basin, intended for public swimming, relaxation, or recreational use that includes a water circulation system for maintaining water quality and does not include any portion of a naturally occurring lake or stream.”
The public swimming ponds in the Twin Cities metropolitan area are located in Zimmerman, Osseo, Lake Elmo, Excelsior, Eden Prairie and Shakopee. Public swimming ponds in Greater Minnesota are located in Warroad, Glyndon, Cloquet, Mankato, Blooming Prairie and New Ulm.
A positive balance
Omnibus health care law focuses on reform, restoring cuts and delaying pending cuts
(view full story)
Published 5/25/2012
Looking out for children and families
Law offers new safe haven option for newborns; addresses adoption and child safety
(view full story)
Published 5/25/2012
Caring for those who care for others
Omnibus health and human services bill remains a moving target
(view full story)
Published 3/30/2012
Nursing home funding models
Should residents who can afford to, pay more?
(view full story)
Published 3/23/2012
Minnesota Index: Smoking in the state
Facts and statistics on tobacco use in Minnesota
(view full story)
Published 3/16/2012
Reform measures draw support
Health and human services reductions draw sharp DFL rebuke
(view full story)
Published 8/11/2011
Delivery of health and human services
Governor says proposal puts too many people in health care jeopardy
(view full story)
Published 7/15/2011
Surgical precision
HHS budget — end-of-session sticking point
(view full story)
Published 5/20/2011
Advocating for patients and constituents
Nurses as legislators add their perspective to health care issues
(view full story)
Published 5/13/2011
Aiming for reform
House approves omnibus health and human services finance bill
(view full story)
Published 4/8/2011
Omnibus game and fish bill approved
Deer hunting, two-line fishing provisions push people’s buttons
(view full story)
Published 4/8/2011
Care for underserved communities
Community paramedic program is a ‘first of its kind’ proponents say
(view full story)
Published 4/8/2011
A hand up in climb out of poverty
Bipartisan initiative looks to fund expansion of ‘Circles of Support’ program
(view full story)
Published 4/1/2011
Feature: A healthier Minnesota
Long-term savings the goal of statewide improvement plan
(view full story)
Published 2/4/2011
At Issue: No access for all
Report says more oversight needed of state-funded non-emergency transportation
(view full story)
Published 2/4/2011