Brill King of the United Construction Co. pours concrete at North Hills Pool where repairs have been made to keep the facility open. The pool opens for the season at noon Saturday. (Photo provided)

NORTH HILLS – The North Hills Pool that was going to close until residents organized to make repairs will open noon Saturday for Memorial Day Weekend, launching what pool leadership said was “an exciting new chapter” focused on sustainability, family involvement and rebuilding community traditions.

The repair to the pool wall was recently completed by North Hills resident Chris Campbell, president and owner of United Construction Co. The repair addressed the source of the structural concern and restored the wall structurally and cosmetically.

“What was initially feared to be a much larger structural issue was ultimately traced back to water intrusion from a leaking nozzle behind the stainless-steel wall,” Diana Wilson, North Hills Pool Board president, said. “Freezing and expansion caused the wall to bow over time. The wall has now been professionally reinforced and stabilized, leaving the pool in significantly improved condition. We’re incredibly grateful to Chris and Rita Campbell and everyone who stepped up to help make this season possible.”

Slated for closure, North Hills Town Council in April rescinded its vote to close the community pool for safety reasons after numerous residents packed the meeting at the 36th Street Church of Christ in Vienna to discuss what could be done to make repairs to a wall and keep the pool open. That’s when Campbell said he was willing to fix the wall for free.

The 2026 pool season will mark the return of coach and instructor Linda Alt, a former Parkersburg High School swimming coach. Alt, longtime North Hills Sprinters coach and swim instructor, will again lead both the North Hills Sprinters swim team and the pool’s swim lesson program.

“We are thrilled to welcome Linda back to the deck,” Wilson said. “For so many families, Linda represents the heart of what made the North Hills swim program special. Her passion for teaching, coaching, and building confident swimmers has impacted generations of kids in this community.”

Alt said she is excited not only to return to the pool, but to help rebuild and strengthen the program for generations to come.

“I am thrilled to be returning to North Hills Pool this summer and to once again lead the swim lesson and swim team programs that have meant so much to this community for so many years,” Alt said. “I’m looking forward to helping young swimmers build confidence, technique, and a love for the sport, while also mentoring a new generation of teachers and coaches. We have an exciting opportunity to rebuild something truly special together.”

The North Hills Sprinters begin June 8 with practices from 10:45 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. High school practice will be held from 8-9 a.m.

The program is open to participants ages 5-18 who can safely swim.

Swimming lessons also begin on June 8 and will be offered in four two-week sessions throughout the summer. Swimmers will be evaluated and placed according to skill level, with instruction ranging from beginner water safety and floating skills to advanced stroke development, diving and competitive swim techniques.

The focus this year is not only reopening the pool, but ensuring a sustainable future for years to come, according to pool leadership.

As part of that effort, the North Hills Pool will move to a membership-only model for the 2026 season and will no longer offer standard daily admission passes. Daily admissions contributed to financial losses in recent years and that memberships are essential to maintaining long-term operations, according to the board.

To continue allowing families to share the pool experience with friends and loved ones, the pool will introduce Bring-a-Friend Thursdays throughout the summer, with guest admission available for $5. Early paid memberships will also receive complimentary guest passes.

Memberships received before Saturday will receive five guest passes.

“This new pool board has a lot of great ideas and is excited and rejuvenated,” Wilson said. “We know change can take time, but we truly hope families will give this new chapter a chance. This pool means so much to so many people, and we truly believe the best memories are still ahead.”

In addition to bringing back several favorite North Hills traditions, the new pool board also is introducing new socials, events and extended pool hours designed to give families, especially working families, more opportunities to enjoy the pool throughout the summer.

Pool rentals also are expected to again be in high demand and will include both public and private parties and fully private evening rentals throughout the season.

Summer events and social highlights for May and June:

Saturday: Pool opens at noon.

Sunday: Memorial Day Cookout and Family Games from noon to 3 p.m.

June 3: School’s Out Party with DJ from 5-8 p.m.

June 6: Welcome Back Linda Alt celebration

Starting June 1: Weekly Monday Trivia Nights for Adults

Starting June 5: Weekly Thursday Raft Nights for Kids

Other events being planned include Dive-In Movie Nights throughout the summer, adult socials including Luau in the Hills, Christmas in July and September Tailgate Night, Family July 4th Party with DJ, an ice cream social and the Labor Day End of Summer Celebration.

Membership fees are: North Hills resident family membership, $300; nonresident family membership, $400; resident couple membership, $200; nonresident couple membership, $300; resident single adult membership, $120; nonresident single adult membership, $150

Additional add-ons are available for grandparents and babysitters.

Membership payments may be mailed or taken to 239 North Hills Drive, submitted during opening weekend or turned in during regular pool hours throughout the season. Memberships can also be purchased online at https://north-hills-pool.square.site/shop/membership/9.

For more information about membership, pool rentals or event details, contact the North Hills Pool at 304-834-1005, northhillspool@gmail.com and on Facebook and Instagram at @northhillspoolparkersburg.