Renovated Zelienople pool makes a big splash
ZELIENOPLE — Delays caused by weather and ongoing renovations made Saturday's opening of the pool in the borough's Community Park that much sweeter.
The first day of sunshine in more than a week didn't hurt either.
The pool, which has been closed since the end of the 2017 season for a renovation project, saw more than 300 people take a dip Saturday, putting a cap on the $1.3 million project. In addition to a new pool area, the project included renovations to the bathhouse, handicapped restrooms and a new concession stand.
The opening was delayed twice in the past month, the most recent holdup a result of heavy rain and flooding at the end of May. The pool area filled with water, and the pumps needed to be sent away to determine possible damage as well as cleanliness.
According to Joan Wolfe, park manager, park officials tried their best over the past few months in explaining delays and keeping the public informed. She said that seemed to go over well with many people, who were understanding that “acts of God” — such as the heavy rain — were out of officials' control.
Additionally, Wolfe said persistent rain in recent forecasts as well as unseasonably colder temperatures would have likely affected the pool's hours anyway. She said that made Saturday's sunny skies and warm weather that much more inviting.“People had been waiting so long, and they were excited,” she said.Wolfe said the new diving board and climbing wall appeared to be a hit, as was the new concession stand. She said many who showed up over the weekend signed up for yearlong passes on the spot.“Everything was just a huge success,” she said.The pool is open each day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a rate of $5 during the week and $6 on weekends. Children 1 year of age and younger are admitted free, and all prices are half off after 5 p.m.
