With summer just around the corner, Jefferson City pools are getting ready to open.
Phil Stiles, recreation facilities and special services division director, said both Memorial Park Aquatic Center and Ellis-Porter Riverside Pool will open Wednesday, but regular visitors to Ellis-Porter may be surprised at what they see.
The city's Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department has been renovating the Ellis-Porter Riverside Pool to address several infrastructure issues and add new amenities. The project cost more than $700,000 and includes a new zero-depth entry, which means the pool's shallow end would start at ground level and gradually deepen, as well as replacing much of the pool's existing infrastructure and repainting.
"People are going to be surprised and, I think, pleased with the renovations," Stiles said.
Stiles said the new entry also includes spray features for younger children, and the pool includes a new diving board, new slide and a higher climbing wall.
"A lot of new attractions that I think everybody will enjoy," Stiles said. "It really turned out nice."
Stiles said swimming lessons are offered throughout the season and special events are scheduled. A Little Mermaid Pool Party will be held at 6:30 p.m. June 24 at Ellis-Porter Riverside Pool, and a Superhero Pool Party is set for 6:30 p.m. July 22 at Ellis-Porter Riverside Pool. Both events are $8 per child and require pre-registration.
Stiles said for Father's Day on June 19, fathers can swim free at both pools with a paid youth admission.
And, as always, at the end of the pool season, the Hot Dippity Dog event will be held Aug. 16 at Memorial Park Family Aquatic Center.
For more information, visit the city's website at www.jeffersoncitymo.gov/facilities_and_rentals/swimming_pools/index.php
Memorial Park Aquatic Center
Cost: $4 for youth ages 17 and under ($3 after 5 p.m.); $5 for adults ($3.50 after 5 p.m.) 10-punch passes available, $32 for youth, $40 for adult, $36 for combo pass (five youth and five adult)
Hours: Noon-7 p.m. daily
Ellis-Porter Riverside Pool
Cost: $3 for youth ages 17 and under; $3.50 for adults. 10-punch passes available, $24 for youth, $28 for adult, $26 for combo pass (five youth and five adult)
Hours: Noon-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday; noon-7 p.m. Friday-Sunday