Making a splash: Municipal pool opens for the season; features brand new 16-foot climbing wall
Published 10:46 am Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Swimmers enjoy the first day of the Austin Municipal Pool’s season. — Jason Schoonover/jason.schoonover@austindailyherald.com
The unmistakable sound of children’s giggles and screams could be heard around the Austin Municipal Pool Monday afternoon, signifying the beginning of another season of swimming, diving and fun.
The pool opened for the season Monday and, thanks to a grant from the Hormel Foundation, there were more activities than ever to choose from with the recent addition of a 16-foot climbing wall located in the diving well.
A boy jumps off the new 16-foot climbing wall into the diving well of the Austin Municipal Pool Monday afternoon, the first day the pool was open.
Kim Underwood, director of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry got the idea to bring a climbing wall to Austin after seeing them at other pools.
“They’re all over the place,” she said.
Though the pool hasn’t been open long this summer, Underwood thinks the climbing wall will be enjoyed by many.
“It’s a new challenge and different type of activity,” Underwood said.
The wall is open to both children and adults, however there is one rule for those using it. “[They] must know how to swim,” Underwood said.
A long line of children waiting Monday all agreed the new equipment was enjoyable. Though 12-year-old Destiny Gray thought the wait was cold, she believed it was worth it.
“It’s really fun, but it’s kind of scary when you get to the top,” Gray said.
The goal this group of children made for themselves was to touch the clear top where they could no longer climb. Many then jumped down into the water.
The climbing wall wasn’t the only thing going on at the pool Monday. Monica Fairchild brought her three grandchildren to the pool opening as well, though she didn’t think they would be trying the new equipment. Fairchild said she plans to bring her two 7-year-old and 4-year-old grandchildren to the pool a lot this summer.
“They love it,” she said. “They’re having a great time.”
Although there is construction on Main Street near the pool entrance, it isn’t stopping families, teenagers and children from dropping by for some fun in the sun. The parking lot is still accessible on Main Street on the south end of the pool.
“There’s a little confusion, but everyone will get used to it,” Underwood said.
The pool is open from 1 to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, and also later in the day from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. The pool is open from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday.
