Be Local means staying cool in a community swimming pool
On a hot day, there’s nothing like a swimming pool to offer relief from the sun.
Be Local means appreciating community pools that give area residents a place to socialize, exercise and relax.
Tom McCracken, a supervisor for Franklin Township, said the Flatwoods Community Pool in Franklin Township Community Park attracted lots of people during the recent hot spell.
“We were packed when the weather was in the 90s,” said McCracken.
Jake Blaker, director of recreation, noted Greene County’s community pools were also full.
“We had a lot of compliments about how well we kept the pool clean and that the lifeguards were courteous but they got their message out,” said Blaker. “We pride ourselves on that, and that’s what the county commissioners want.”
Greene County has three community pools: Mon View Pool in Greensboro, Carmichaels Pool at Wana B Park and Greene County Water Park in Waynesburg. Blake said Greensboro was renovated in 2014 and Waynesburg is 10 years old.
The pools are fun, offering features for children as well as adults, including diving boards and slides.
These community pools are popular and not just with Greene County residents.
“One third of the people are from Fayette County,” said Blaker. “The Fayette County people mostly come to Mon View and Carmichaels pools.”
McCracken said the township took over the Flatwoods pool that had originally been operated by the grange. This is the 10th summer the pool’s been open since the township refurbished it, adding slides and other features as well as making it handicapped accessible.
“It’s been a community asset for 60 years – probably three to four to five generations of people have enjoyed swimming here,” said McCracken.
Community pools are places that people share with friends and family.
“You see them coming, get out of their cars and then wait a couple of minutes for their friends to come,” noted Blaker.
Community pools offer a safe place to gather.
“We take pride in our lifeguards,” said Blaker. “We always have an adequate number of lifeguards at each pool and we train lifeguards throughout the summer – they keep training.”
McCracken noted the pool is also a place of employment.
“We provide job opportunities for high school and college kids. We hire as many as 20 to 25 lifeguards and snack people,” said McCracken.
Community pools allow people to enjoy exercise and fresh air.
Blaker noted, “At the water park, we have lap swimming from 8 to 9 in the morning and 7 to 8 at night.”
McCracken said seniors come to the pool when it first opens at noon before it becomes crowded. He said the pool offers reduced rates for swimming from 6 to 8 p.m.
With a chance to sit in the water, swim in the water or sit by the water, community pools are a great stress reliever.
“Without a doubt,” said McCracken.
Blaker said, “That’s why we try to have plenty of chaise lounges for Mom and Dad and Grandma and Grandpap by the pools.”
Whether a private pool open to the public or a community pool that’s publicly supported, area swimming pools are important and a significant part of the summer for many local residents.
Those interested in joining the Be Local Network can call 724-439-7515 or email swallach@heraldstandard.com. Discount cards are available at the 蘑菇视频, 8 E. Church St., Uniontown, and at the Greene County Messenger, 32 Church St., Waynesburg.