WAYNESBORO – Area residents made a splash at Waynesboro Area YMCA as they celebrated the reopening of the pool Aug. 22.
Staffers led a tour of the new pump room and the renovated patio adjacent to the child care room before moving to the pool area, where a photo jump-in was offered.
Chief executive officer Dr. Kim Eaton said the campaign coffers stand at $330,350, with hopes of reaching the $350,000 goal by the end of the day. “This was a rallying event – so many people came out and gave us multiple donations,” she added.
Upgrades to the pool, which closed July 7 to complete repairs due to a leak, included a new filter and pump system, building a wall in the basement of the facility to reinforce the bottom of the pool and moving the mechanics from the basement to the first floor.
Eaton told visitors that staffers will continue to plan ahead to prevent future breakdowns at the facility. “That was my fear, that we would have to shut down the pool and interrupt the season for the Waynesboro Area Senior High School swim team and the Y’s WAVES swim team. These kids are phenomenal, winning national awards and getting scholarships to college.” During the construction process, the swim teams practiced at Northside Pool and the Y’s lap swimmers used the pool at Waynesboro Country Club, she added.
The pool officially reopened Aug. 20. “There’s still some cleanup going on,” Eaton noted.
In addition to thanking those who contributed to the “Save Our Pool” campaign, Eaton acknowledged that Waynesboro Construction Co. performed repairs at cost. “That was huge,” she added.
Eaton also lauded Mike Decker, maintenance and facilities director, for his efforts. “Kudos to him – he can fix anything. If it weren’t for him our maintenance costs would be a lot higher.”
