Carter Rubinosky plays in the sprinklers at the newly renovated pool at EDCO Park in Evans City. The pool will be open through early September.

EVANS CITY — After years of fundraising and months of renovation work, the pool in Evans City is officially open.

Residents, volunteers and park officials gathered Friday afternoon at the EDCO Park & Pool for the soft opening of the newly renovated pool. Attendees were invited to swim and walk the grounds of the newly renovated space.

Amy Rubinosky brought her sons Braden and Carter to the opening. Braden has been an active fundraiser, asking for donations to the pool for his birthday each year.

“My family members have been fundraising for the pool for three or four years,” Rubinosky said. “(It) surpassed any expectation.”

Lifeguards took their seats as area children swam in the recently renovated pool and played in the new sprinklers.

Volunteers worked non-stop this week to finalize the remaining details in preparation for the opening event — including painting the concession stand, laying sod around the pool, and much more.

While Friday's event was a soft opening, EDCO Park scheduled an official rededication ceremony in early August to commemorate the renovations along with the anniversary of the pool in Evans City.

“We're planning the rededication of the pool on the original date it opened, which is Aug. 1,” Caldwell said, adding that the pool originally opened more than 30 years ago in 1987.

With the first phase of pool renovations complete, the park board now turns to phase two of the project. The second phase will add further improvements and amenities like slides and fountains for residents to enjoy.

Officials have already started planning events to raise money and are exploring possible grant funding.

For more information, find it on Facebook or visit www.edcopark.com.