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From staff reports
PARKERSBURG -- More than 25,000 visitors spent time at Parkersburg's pools in City and Southwood parks this summer, according to an announcement from city officials.
That number was bolstered by the continuing Schools to Pools program, which provides a free pool pass to students in kindergarten through fifth grade who live in the city and belong to a household with a qualifying income. This year, 259 students received Schools to Pools passes.
"This program has been very well received and impactful for youth in Parkersburg for several years," Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce said in a news release. "It affords young people the opportunity to play and recreate in a safe environment regardless of means."
In addition to the regular attendees, the local Red Cross provided free swimming lessons to hundreds of youth who would otherwise have to pay for such an opportunity, the release said.
The Wood County Recreation Commission Summer Adventure program had the opportunity to bring its summer participants to City Park and enjoy the pool and splash pad.
"Our pools are for the community, and I am pleased to see such active engagement and participation from so many taking advantage of the facilities," Joyce said.
City officials said the numbers highlight recent substantial investments at the City Park pool, including the addition of the splash pad. Planned improvements at Southwood Park will keep the city in a competitive position to offer first-rate pool recreation to citizens and visitors alike, the release said.