News

CoCo Key remained closed yesterday


Published: March 8, 2008

MIDDLETON — CoCo Key Water Resort was still shut down yesterday after testing earlier in the week showed excessive levels of chlorine byproducts, and health officials heard more reports of chemical burns at the $20 million facility attached to the Sheraton Ferncroft Resort.

No reopening time or date has been set, General Manager Kristin Perry said in a statement.

Resort officials said Thursday night that they hoped to reopen the park yesterday. They told the Middleton Board of Health that they planned to increase ventilation and test water hourly to check for free chlorine, which kills bacteria and attacks other contaminants, and combined chlorine, the byproduct created when chlorine is used up.

The Middleton Board of Health closed the facility for a time in mid-February. Users of the pool said they were burned or suffered asthma attacks throughout February, and a school nurse reportedly saw 15 children with rashes on Tuesday night. The Board of Health said the three pools and hot tub have to meet state standards for chlorine levels, while workers must keep accurate logbooks and buy accurate testing equipment.

"We continue to work closely with the Department of Public Health and water park experts," Perry said. "Guests with existing reservations may cancel for a (full refund) or rebook for a new date and time."

Perry said updates will be posted at a Web site, www.CoCoKeyWaterResort.com. Guests can also call the hotel reservation line, 978-777-2500, for more information.

— Mike Stucka