If the weather allows, this weekend will be the opening of Fulton's Oestreich Swimming Pool.
"Saturday is when we open, noon-6 p.m.," Parks and Recreations Assistant Director Sharlene McArtor said. "Today (Wednesday), we are trying to get everything cleaned, organized and ready to go."
McArtor said the Parks and Rec maintenance crew has been working tirelessly to get things spic-and-span at the pool, which is next to Fulton High School.
"They have been sealing leaks, tightening the ladders, replacing tiles, painting the frames of the shades; everything," she said. "They are really doing a great job."
The opening days turnout, McArtor said, is expected to be high. Saturday's weather forecast indicates it may rain. As of Wednesday afternoon, weather.com shows an 90 percent chance of thunderstorms Saturday afternoon.
"We usually have a pretty good turnout," she said. "I am concerned about the weather; I hope it holds out and lets up open for the community. Regardless, I am excited for the first week. We are going to have a good, safe and fun time."
McArtor said potential pool-goers should bring a few key items.
"We definitely suggest that they bring sun screen," she said. "Towels are also important. We do allow certain floaties, as long as they are not too large. If they are too big, it obscures the view of the life guards."
McArtor said summer swimmers should not be alarmed if a life-sized mannequin should suddenly splash into the pool.
"His name is Timmy," she said. "He is a training mannequin we submerge in the pool to help keep the lifeguards alert. It is not a daily thing, so he will only come out on occasion. There will be signage around the pool, and we did it last year. But people should just be aware that he may appear from time to time."
If pool participants get peckish, McArtor said, the concessions stand will meet their nutritional needs.
"We have quite a few options," she said. "Our most popular items are the ice cream cookie sandwich, the soft pretzels and the nachos, but we have plenty of other stuff, too."
The pool will be open from noon-7 p.m. most week days, and noon-6 p.m. on weekends. The pool is also available for private parties and will be holding special events throughout the summer.
For a complete list of pool hours, as well as pricing, visit Fultonmo.org/departments-1/parksnrec/aquatics/ or call 573-642-4346.
Fulton Waterworks Splashpad
For those looking for a free way to cool off this summer, McArtor said the Fulton Splashpad at Memorial Park is the way to go.
"The splash pad is open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and is completely free of charge," she said. "It is a great thing, and a lot of people take advantage of it, which is awesome."
So awesome, in fact, that McArtor said the department is kicking around a proposal to put in more throughout the city.
"We are exploring putting in more splash pads," she said. "It is definitely on our plate as something to do in the future."
