Anoka Times

The Anoka County Board has decided to close Bunker Beach Water Park for the summer season due to coronavirus concerns.

“In the end, I hope we’re all wrong,” County Board Chairman Scott Schulte told the Star Tribune. “I hope we made the wrong decision, the virus goes away and we’re back healthy a month from now and everybody’s back on the streets.”

The board was divided on whether or not to shut down the park which attracts an average of up to 1,600 visitors per day. Among the reasons members voted for the closure were concerns that social distancing wouldn’t be feasible and not having enough park visitors even if the stay-at-home order was lifted.

Board members who voted against the closure said the decision was panic-driven and that the virus is actually slowing down.

“When people are in a swimming pool that’s treated, it’s a constant cleansing,” Commissioner Robyn West said. “This is a low-risk situation. I think it’s going to be way different in two months.”