Staff Photo/KYLE LOVERN
Andrew Allen and Tucker Wellman are shown cooling off at the Williamson Municipal Pool on Tuesday afternoon. With the extended heat wave predicted in the next few days, pool manager Barbie Hatmaker hopes locals will take advantage of the facility. In July, hours on Tuesdays will be extended till 8:00 p.m.
By KYLE LOVERN
Sports Editor
WEST WILLIAMSON – For those who work all day and don’t get a chance to swim at the city of Williamson’s pool during the weekdays, they will now have a chance do so on Tuesdays in July.
The municipal pool will extend hours of operation on Tuesday’s till 8:00 p.m., according to the manager Barbie Hatmaker. “If we have a good turnout we might even add an additional day,” she added.
Hatmaker said the water is clear and refreshing and with the upcoming heat wave that is predicted, it would be a great time for locals to take advantage of the pool.
The crowds have been down a little from last year. Hatmaker said that a grant that made it possible for some low income families to swim for free did not come through this summer.
Ticket prices were increased by a dollar this summer, $4 for adults and $3 for students. Children ages 2-and-under are admitted free.
“We have had work done on the main pumps and the baby pool is fully functional,” Hatmaker added.
She also hinted that the Park Board is excited about some future improvements to the pool in the future. This would be paid for by grants and private donations.
“Hopefully by next the next summer season we will see some additions,” Hatmaker added. She said this should increase the attendance at the pool.
Unfortunately, like in years past, especially during the 1970s and 1980s, crowd’s at all public pools have seen a decline. Part of the reason is because of population loss and also because so many individual families have their own backyard pools.
The city of Williamson is also planning its free 4th of July swimming party and celebration. As usual there will be games, food, watermelon and other events. Hatmaker said the ever popular pie eating contest sponsored by the Williamson Women’s Club will be one of the main attractions again this year. More information will be released about this celebration in the near future.
The pool is still available for party rentals, as is the community center which is located on the second floor of the bath house building. Hatmaker said that improvements have been made to the upstairs facility.
Pool hours are 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays. For information on rentals call 304-235-3331.
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