LOWELL - Although financial issues threatened to keep Lowell's pool closed this summer, village officials say the pool will be opened due to donations made by community members, businesses and organizations.
The issue now is that no one has expressed interest in working at the pool this summer.
"We've had local businesses and individuals donate and we will reach our goal financially but we're having trouble filling the lifeguard positions," said Lowell Mayor David Pitzer. "We put the posting out and no one has applied."
Pitzer said four lifeguards are needed, including one who is capable of serving as manager of the pool.
Mary Callihan managed the pool for 12 years, but Pitzer said she is moving out of the area.
"We're trying to find a pool manager that is lifeguard certified for cost saving reasons," Pitzer said.
Fact Box
Pool Openings
Belpre City Pool: May 26; Noon to 6 p.m. every day except Tuesdays open noon to 8 p.m.
Beverly-Waterford Community Swimming Pool: May 26; noon to 5 p.m. daily.
Lowell Pool: June 2; hours to be determined.
Marietta Aquatic Center: May 26; noon to 7 p.m. daily.
Village officials announced earlier this year the pool might not open this summer because last year a total of about $4,000 more was spent on the pool than what came in. Although money from the general fund has been used in the past to cover the pool fund's shortage, officials knew that couldn't happen this year because the general fund is struggling.
Officials decided to seek donations from local organizations, businesses and residents with hopes of raising the extra $4,000 needed to operate the pool. Pitzer said that goal has been met and donations are still being accepted. Anyone interested in donating should contact the village municipal building at 896-2419.
For village resident Erin Lockhart, it is a big relief that the pool will be opening this summer. She plans to spend a lot of time there with her 2-year-old daughter, Emma.
"She loves swimming. I'm ecstatic about it and the baby pool there is perfect for her," Lockhart, 29.
Pitzer encouraged those who want to work at the pool to contact the village municipal building. Pitzer said the pool will open June 2 but hours of operation are not yet established. Rates are $4 for children 5 to 17 and adults 54 and older and $5 for people 18 to 53. Children up to age four are admitted at no charge.
Officials in other villages and cities are also making plans for opening their pools this summer.
The Marietta Aquatic Center opens May 26, according to Susie Joyce, the city's recreation clerk. It will be open daily from noon to 7 p.m. Admission prices will be the same as last year, $6 for adults and $5 for children.
The village of New Matamoras has not yet established a date for opening its pool or admission fees, according to village clerk Patty Martin.
"If you bring a group of 12 or more you get a discount, which is $4 for children and $5 for adults," Joyce noted.
Passes are being sold in Joyce's office at 304 Putnam St. in Marietta and they will also be available at the pool when it opens. She said those interested in purchasing passes should contact her at 373-1616 to get pricing information.
Both the Marietta Aquatic Center and the Beverly-Waterford Community Swimming Pool are being managed this year by Professional Pool Management, owned by Mike Bishman.
Pam Jackson, clerk of the village of Beverly, said the pool will open May 26 and hours will be noon to 5 p.m. daily.
She said daily admission rates are $3 for students ages 4 to 18 and seniors 65 and older and $4 for adults. Children up to age 3 are admitted at no cost.
A pass for a family of four is $125, while an individual pass is $60 and a five-day pass is $12.
"We are offering package deals to business or organizations or individuals where they can purchase an advertisement sign and the package deal would include a discount on family passes for their employees," Jackson added.
The prices for the packages vary. Anyone interested should call the village's municipal building at 984-2694.
The Belpre City Pool also opens May 26, according to city auditor Leslie Pittenger. It will be open from noon to 6 p.m. everyday except Tuesdays, when the hours are noon to 8 p.m.
Children ages 4 to 17 as well as military members and people 55 and older will be charged $4, while adults ages 18 to 54 will be charged $5 and children up to age 3 will be admitted free of charge. Individual passes are $85 and a family of five can get passes for $150.
Pittenger said the pool is being managed by the Marietta Family YMCA. She said applications are being accepted through May 11 from Belpre area families who fall under federal poverty guidelines who would like to take advantage of grant money intended for covering admission fees.
"This funding was made possible through a grant from the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley," Pittenger said.
The village of New Matamoras has not yet established a date for opening its pool or admission fees, according to village clerk Patty Martin.
