MUNCIE, Ind. — Muncie Parks and Recreation staff reported June 17 that hours and attendance limits at Tuohy Pool were changed in response to safety incidents, and that the department is coordinating with the police department, the YMCA and city legal staff on further steps.

The superintendent said the pool hours were adjusted to a 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. window and that staff began setting age groups and limits on the number of swimmers permitted at one time. The department described the changes as an initial step while it continues to review best practices with police and legal counsel.

Parks staff said they have had recent police calls at the pool and met with Chief Sloan and the YMCA director to discuss removing individuals who present safety risks. The superintendent described the primary concern as keeping the community and children safe.

The superintendent also described a specific safety hazard: he reported that firecrackers had been brought into the park and were thrown at police officers and into groups of people, including being thrown from a tower at the park after officers had dispersed a crowd. He said staff would continue to assess whether additional operational changes are necessary.

The department gave no specific, verifiable current figure for a maximum permitted pool occupancy in the meeting record; a capacity number mentioned in the discussion was not stated clearly in the transcript. Staff said they would continue discussions tomorrow and adjust practices as needed.

No formal board action or vote on pool policy was taken at the June 17 meeting; the report was informational and staff said they would return with updates as policies and enforcement plans evolve.