MOSES LAKE — The Surf ‘n Slide Water Park will remain closed this summer, Moses Lake city officials announced at a Tuesday meeting of the city council.

“We cannot fully open until Phase 3, and despite our wonderful advertising efforts with our lifeguards to get people to wear masks, the report we had yesterday from the health district is that Phase 3 is not close in sight,” said City Manager Allison Williams. “In conferring with staff, we believe that we cannot open the Surf ‘n Slide this season.”

City staff had looked at whether a partial season would be financially feasible but determined it would not be possible, Williams added.

“I think it’s a good decision not to open it, as much as I hate to see it,” Mayor David Curnel said. “There’s no way that you’re going to get social distancing at a water park,”

The city has begun the process of refunding fees paid for swimming lessons and advance purchase season passes, said Spencer Grigg, director of the city’s parks and recreation department.