It’s time to assess the pool situation in the area. Here’s a roundup of what’s open, how long it will be open and how much it will cost.
Dawson Pool
Ashland’s city pool, Dawson Pool will open on Memorial Day weekend, and the park will offer two new additions: two playgrounds will be open in the park area, Sean Murray, parks and recreation director, said.
“We are excited to share the upgrades with the community this season,” Murray said.
The pool has an 8-foot tube slide and basketball courts can be found in the park.
Admission will be $5 for adults and $3 for children.
Dawson Park is on Central Avenue just past Eighth Street; stairs lead to the pool. Handicap accessible parking is available by turning left just past the Central Avenue parking lot.
For more information, call the Parks & Recreation Department at (606) 385-3295 or Ashland City Pool at Dawson Park (606) 385-3298.
Flatwoods City Pool
Visitors to the Flatwoods City Pool will see a few changes, Emma Morris, pool manager, said.
Set to open on June 12, Morris said many lifeguards from last year will return; she said she’s still looking at new applicants but needs to hire workers for the concession stand.
Cost of food will remain the same, as will membership and rental prices.
“We’re doing some upgrades to the facility,” she said. “We’re redoing the basketball court and put a handrail down the steps. We’re also putting a ramp to get in and out of the pool and we’re putting in a handicapable access lift.”
She said eventually, the pool will get a new, more accessible slide.
The pool is at 730 Park St. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Cost is $6 for adults; 5 for students 5 to 17; and $3 for those 4 and younger.
For more information, call (606) 836-4242.
Dreamland
It’s been a struggle for the 97-year-old pool to find lifeguards this year, but at last report, several applications had been taken but no decisions had been made.
Mayor Tim Bias said the pool, at 21st Street and U.S. 60 in Kenova, requires four lifeguards on duty at all time because of its size.
“There is a national lifeguard shortage. That shortage has now hit Kenova,” Bias said. “It has more to do with today’s economy, our costs to operate the pool and what we can pay for summer help.”
Marshall University Brad Smith offered help in the form of tuition for anyone aspiring to guard at Dreamland this summer.
Jobs at the concession stand and in maintenance also are available.
“It traditionally has been a great first job for a young person,” the mayor said.
For more information about jobs at Dreamland, call the City of Kenova at (304) 453-1571. To reach the pool after opening day, call (304) 453-6288.
Olive Hill City Pool
The pool, at 225 Roger Patton Drive, is set to open on May 27.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for children 12 and younger; free for children 2 and younger with a paying adult.
Season passes are available: $40 for an individual and $100 for families of five or fewer.
There is a splash pad for children. The pool can be rented beginning at 6 p.m..
For more information, call (606) 286-8873.
