City pool to open for season on time Saturday if weather cooperates
The season opening of the Greencastle city pool -- in doubt as recently as two weeks ago due to a possible shortage of personnel -- is expected to occur on time Saturday, weather permitting.
"As long as the weather cooperates, we'll be open Saturday," new Greencastle Aquatics Center Director Erin Ray said Thursday, noting that thunderstorms, however, are in the forecast for the weekend.
On the opening weekend, the pool in Robe-Ann Park is scheduled to open at noon for open swim (however, on succeeding Saturdays, as well as Tuesdays and Thursdays, the pool will open at 11 a.m. for adult lap swim only).
The pool will have open swim hours from noon to 5 p.m. daily with family swim designated in the 5-7 p.m. timeslot.
Daily admission costs $5 for those age five and older. Youngsters up through age four are admitted free.
Meanwhile, admission to the Bob York Splash Park is free of charge. The splash park is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, weather permitting.
Information on other pool programs and rentals is outlined in the Greencastle Park and Recreation Department's 2017 Program and Event Guide, available free at City Hall and the park office.
Two weeks ago Park Director Rod Weinschenk wasn't too optimistic about the swim season starting on time. At that point he only had a dozen or more lifeguards committed for the summer, while the city pool normally has 20 or more guards on its roster.
The city currently pays guards $9 an hour if they have a WSI (water safety instructor) certification or $8.25 an hour if they don't. The city also requires that its summer help comply with all hiring practices, including passing a drug test before being hired.
As the new aquatics director/assistant to the director, Ray began work last Monday, succeeding Phil Cornelius who recently left the Greencastle post to take a similar position in Brownsburg after three years with the local department.
Meanwhile, returning to the pool as assistants to the aquatics director are Sarah Beams and Mallory Meyer, both of whom are WSI certified. Callan Taylor is concessions manager this summer.