City Unveils New Pool Features At Ribbon-Cutting
May 21, 2019
Making A Splash
City Unveils New Pool Features At Ribbon-Cutting
By JESSICA WETZLER
Daily News-Record 5/21/19
HARRISONBURG — It’s time to get your swimsuits out because Harrisonburg is ready to splash into summer.
Westover Pool is ready to beat the heat with the addition of the first splash pad in Rockingham County and other pool renovations.
The new features were unveiled Monday with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring Mayor Deanna Reed, City Manager Eric Campbell, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Brian Mancini and more than 200 kids waiting to make a splash.
“You are the reason why we are here today,” Reed said, sporting her water shoes.
Pool renovations included required maintenance to the pool’s lighting, interior and exterior surface, and electrical system, according to Brittany Clem, city marketing and special projects coordinator.
Resurfacing for the 50-meter Olympic- size pool and 25-meter diving pool and pool deck also took place during renovations.
The pool has not seen a renovation in at least 30 years, according to previous Daily News-Record reports.
The highlight of the evening was a glimpse at the new splash pad featuring 14 different types of water sprayers, bubblers, a water dump bucket and color rings. The splash pad is located a few feet away from the pools and replaces the previous location of the kiddie pool.
Luanne Santangelo, Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation director, said in a press release that it was the department’s mission to provide a “unique and imaginative” recreation opportunity for the community.
“Adding a splash pad and making improvements to our pool at Westover Park will go a long way toward ensuring we remain at the forefront of making sure our residents have a variety of opportunities to get out and enjoy the great outdoors,” Santangelo said.
Funding for the $560,000 project was provided through federal Community Development Block Grant funds, according to a press release. The funds allowed the department to be “progressive and innovative” while enhancing pool features.
“The pool renovations do not stop,” Mancini said, telling visitors that surface work around the pool will be happening throughout the summer season.
On top of being able to be the first to try out the new splash pad and resurfaced pool, those who attended the ceremony received free day pool passes.
Westover Pool will operate on summer hours from June 1 to Aug. 25. Open swim will be from noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 7 p.m. on Sundays.
Lap swim will be available Monday through Friday from 11:15 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m.
Daily admission is $3 for city resident adults, $2 for city resident children, $3 for nonresident children,
$5 for nonresident adults and free for infants. Three-month passes are available for purchase for families and individuals.
“We’re very excited about Westover Pool’s season begins June 1.
reopening the pool for visitors, because this has truly become a gathering place for our community and a great spot for kids to play away their summer breaks,” Clem said. “Add in the new splash pad, and Westover Park has become the go-to destination for families and people of all ages to enjoy.”
City Unveils New Pool Features At Ribbon-Cutting
By JESSICA WETZLER
Daily News-Record 5/21/19
HARRISONBURG — It’s time to get your swimsuits out because Harrisonburg is ready to splash into summer.
Westover Pool is ready to beat the heat with the addition of the first splash pad in Rockingham County and other pool renovations.
The new features were unveiled Monday with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring Mayor Deanna Reed, City Manager Eric Campbell, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Brian Mancini and more than 200 kids waiting to make a splash.
“You are the reason why we are here today,” Reed said, sporting her water shoes.
Pool renovations included required maintenance to the pool’s lighting, interior and exterior surface, and electrical system, according to Brittany Clem, city marketing and special projects coordinator.
Resurfacing for the 50-meter Olympic- size pool and 25-meter diving pool and pool deck also took place during renovations.
The pool has not seen a renovation in at least 30 years, according to previous Daily News-Record reports.
The highlight of the evening was a glimpse at the new splash pad featuring 14 different types of water sprayers, bubblers, a water dump bucket and color rings. The splash pad is located a few feet away from the pools and replaces the previous location of the kiddie pool.
Luanne Santangelo, Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation director, said in a press release that it was the department’s mission to provide a “unique and imaginative” recreation opportunity for the community.
“Adding a splash pad and making improvements to our pool at Westover Park will go a long way toward ensuring we remain at the forefront of making sure our residents have a variety of opportunities to get out and enjoy the great outdoors,” Santangelo said.
Funding for the $560,000 project was provided through federal Community Development Block Grant funds, according to a press release. The funds allowed the department to be “progressive and innovative” while enhancing pool features.
“The pool renovations do not stop,” Mancini said, telling visitors that surface work around the pool will be happening throughout the summer season.
On top of being able to be the first to try out the new splash pad and resurfaced pool, those who attended the ceremony received free day pool passes.
Westover Pool will operate on summer hours from June 1 to Aug. 25. Open swim will be from noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 7 p.m. on Sundays.
Lap swim will be available Monday through Friday from 11:15 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m.
Daily admission is $3 for city resident adults, $2 for city resident children, $3 for nonresident children,
$5 for nonresident adults and free for infants. Three-month passes are available for purchase for families and individuals.
“We’re very excited about Westover Pool’s season begins June 1.
reopening the pool for visitors, because this has truly become a gathering place for our community and a great spot for kids to play away their summer breaks,” Clem said. “Add in the new splash pad, and Westover Park has become the go-to destination for families and people of all ages to enjoy.”
