PARKERSBURG - With temperatures reaching into the 90s this week, many local swimming pools saw an upswing in business as people are looking for ways to beat the heat.
Management at the pools at City Park and Southwood Park in Parkersburg, Jackson Park in Vienna and at the Belpre City Pool all reported an increase in visitors this week as the temperature soared.
Many pools have seen 200-400 people each day this week.
Article Photos
Daniel Facemyer stands on the ladder, awaiting his turn, to go off the high dive platform at Southwood Park Pool in Thursday's 90-degree temperature. (Photo by Jeff Baughan)
''We have been packed,'' said Andrea Montgomery, assistant manager at the Jackson Park pool. ''There have been so many people, you can barely see the water.
''I would be in there myself right now if I could.''
The Jackson Park pool has been seeing over 300 people a day this week.
The pool usually had large numbers when it first opened in May and then it tapered off as the area was hit by a cooling trend for a while.
''Once it hits over the 90-degree mark, we are seeing over 300 people regularly,'' Montgomery said.
Many local daycares have been bringing their kids, ages 5-6 and so on, to the pool this week to cool off, she said.
Wednesday was a busy day at the City Park pool in Parkersburg with more than 150 paid admissions and around 50 passes, said Kate Miller, manager.
The numbers took a slight drop Thursday.
''I am surprised it was not as busy (Thursday),'' Miller said.
Traditionally, when the weather gets hotter, attendance goes up, she said.
On average, the Belpre City Pool has seen around 275 daily with paid admissions and people with pool passes, said program director Charlie Wilson.
''We have been packed this last week,'' he said. ''We are seeing a lot of families coming in this week.
''Everyone is coming in to cool off.''
The Southwood Park pool and waterslide have been averaging more than 400 people daily, with many families also coming in on a daily basis, said Tyler Foster, co-manager.
''Business is great,'' he said. ''We have been packed
''It has been so hot, for many people there is nothing to do but come to the pool.''
People who come to the Southwood pool will also make it over to the water slide a few times during the day, Foster said.
The National Weather Service in Charleston said the area could see some rain and thunderstorm activity today as there is a 50 percent chance of precipitation with temperatures expected in the upper 80s. It is expected to be sunny both Saturday and Sunday with temperatures in the upper 80s.
''We are expecting to be busier over the weekend,'' Mongomery said.
It all depends on the weather, Foster said.
''We will see if the weather cooperates,'' he said. ''We're ready to go.''
For many people, a swimming pool is an ideal spot to be when the temperature goes up.
''The weather is hot, the water is cool and this is just the place to be,'' Foster said.
