Issue date: 7/18/06 Section: News

The Charleston Community pool remains empty while construction continues. Adverse weather during May and June in addition to the renovations and improvements have affected the opening date.

Charleston residents will have to wait a few more weeks before they can enjoy the reopening of the Rotary Community Aquatic Center.

Formerly known as the Community Pool, the facility was originally scheduled to be operating by July 4, but adverse weather during May and June and the amount of renovations and improvements affected the opening date.

"I think just the scope of all the work that needed to be finished was more sizable than we thought at first," said Brian Jones, director of parks and recreation. "We're probably still going to be pushing to get open by the end of the month."

According to Jones, contractors have been working as many hours as they can to finish the facility in a timely manner.

When the Aquatic Center does open, it will have many features for patrons to enjoy.

"The biggest thing people are going to notice is a zero-depth pool," said Jones.

The zero-depth pool will also feature water tools such as sprayers and buckets that dump water for small children to enjoy.

In addition to the zero-depth pool, there are also several other key features that Jones feels patrons will enjoy.

The facility will now feature two vending locations; whereas only one was offered in the past, and a new set of restrooms have been installed on the deck area.

"I think people are going to like the new mechanical building with another set of restrooms," said Jones.

Additionally, nine umbrellas will also be installed around the pool's perimeter, whereas the old facility only had three umbrellas.

"We've incorporated six new umbrellas so people will have the opportunity to get in shade if needed or desired," said Jones.

The facility will also be better equipped for evening use due to the installation of new lighting.

"I think people will see a big difference in the way it's lit up," said Jones.

The parks and recreation department are also looking into new options dealing with pool entry, said Jones.

"We're also looking into the idea of some sort of punch card," he said.

The punch card would be worth a set number of visits to the pool, and this method would help with parents not having to send money with their children every day, said Jones.

With such a short time left to summer after the pool's opening, summer passes will not be sold this summer. Daily admission will be charged. Entry for individuals seven years or older will be $3.50, and entry for children under age six and senior citizens will be $2. These prices are the same as they were before the renovation.

"We feel like it will be a nice facility and hope that people will come see it for themselves," said Jones.

The Aquatic Center will be open until Labor Day. In the past, the department discussed extending the open season, but it is difficult to operate because of staff issues with students returning to school.

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