June 14, 2010
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Centre City Pool is open for business By Kurt Duryea For over 50 years Cherokee County residents have been enjoying the Centre Swimming Pool, nestled in the city park. Over the years, I've had the distinct pleasure to listen to tales of those who spent their summers at the pool. Former mayor Phil Powell recalls the high dive, and I can envision the summersaults, pikes and stunts that must have been tried out by Phil and his friends in their efforts to impress each other. Others, like Johnny Cooper, have served as lifeguards, protecting those who have come to relax in the cool, inviting waters. Local attorney Al Shumaker can also add some interesting lore if you've got a minute or two to catch up with him. I'm sure there are thousands more who have stories to share on their time at the “city pool.” Time has brought some changes; the high dive has been removed for safety reasons. Time also allows for the addition of memories to be collected season after season as the pool provides entertainment, refreshment and recreational opportunities during the hot and humid summer months. According to Pool Manager Kasey West, the pool is open seven days a week from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. “We have on average 100 guests each day,” she said. West stressed that the pool is a great place to relax and a super value as the cost is only $3 per person, and children under 5 swim for free. “We've also have season passes for families that begin at $115 for a family of four,” she said. “If you are thinking about a place to hold that summer birthday party, team celebration, or youth group get-together there are still a few dates open to book two-hour parties. Just give us a call at 256-927-3511.” The City of Centre worked diligently to have the pool opened Memorial Day weekend and doing so required the combined efforts of Mayor Tony Wilkie and the City Council, along with Parks and Recreation Department Director Charles Glazner, city employees, and the pool staff. “Having the pool opened Memorial Day has given us a strong start,” West told me. “We've had nearly 80 in our first 'Learn to Swim' session. We have four excellent instructors.” Learn to Swim Session II begins June 14, West added, and parents can still sign up their children for the classes. “I can't leave out Swim Team,” West said. “They practice every day and the numbers keep on growing. You can still come and work out with the swim team, too. They will be competing at Jacksonville, then at the district and state meets. West said she has several returning state swimming qualifiers, including Dru and Leighton Rainer, Reid and Ainsley Davis, Katie Hill and Carly Duryea. If you're looking for a place to make a family memory, get a little work out, learn to swim or just relax, then you don't have to look any further than the Centre City Pool. Enjoy. It's hot out there.
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