New ‘splash zone’ at Carmichaels Pool to open Memorial Day weekend
Workers install one of the interactive water fountains that will be part of the new splash zone at Carmichaels Pool.
Observer-Reporter
A worker paints the deep end of the swimming pool at Carmichaels’ Wana B Park in 2016.
CARMICHAELS – Workers are putting final touches on the new children’s “splash zone” at Carmichaels Pool in Wana B Park as Greene County’s three pools prepare to open for summer swimming season next weekend.
The splash zone will include interactive features and a gentle slope into the water, which Greene County Parks and Recreation Manager Pam Blaker thinks will give children something different from the other two county pools.
“It looks really nice, and I think the kids are going to be very excited when they come up and see the (amenities),” Blaker said of the 3,361-gallon splash pool play area, which includes numerous fountains that spout water from a palm tree, toad stool, bumble bee and arch. “A lot of people have backyard pools, but this is something where they can bring their friends. With these water features, it keeps the kids moving, interacting and keeps them busy.”
Workers began installing interactive features late last week and are expected to continue working on the splash zone over the next few days, including placement of a cushioned surface before opening the pool May 28 at 1 p.m. during the three-day Memorial Day weekend.
“Hopefully, the summer is better than last year and gives families a ‘daycation’ where they don’t have to travel far and it’s affordable,” Blaker said. “I think the parents will like it, especially the splash pool.”
The county commissioners agreed in November to hire J5 of Houston, Pa., and spend $298,000 on the project, which was within the original budget the county estimated for it. The commissioners also spent $19,500 in August to hire Wade Associates of Harrisburg to prepare engineering designs on what could be done to improve the aging facility.
The splash area replaces the children’s wading pool previously located next to the adult swimming pool.
The county’s two other swimming pools are also set to open Memorial Day weekend. Alpha Aquatics Center in Franklin Township will open May 28 at noon, and Mon View Pool in Greensboro will open the same day at 1 p.m. All three pools will then close the following week before reopening daily for the season June 4.