It appears, at least for the most part, the Mother Nature be a bit kinder this Memorial Day weekend. And that should be good news for patrons of the City of Bridgeport’s swimming pool.

 

Saturday will once again be “Splash Day” at the pool. The annual event not only signifies the city’s recognition of summer and the opening of the pool, it also is the day that the pool offers free admission to all who opt to enter through the gates.

 

“It’s become a tradition,” said Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Joe Shuttleworth. “We encourage the community to come out and enjoy a day at the pool. The free admission is for Saturday only.”

 

The pool will be open from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday. Regular admission charges resume Sunday and Monday at the pool as the venue will be open – weather permitting – the entire Memorial Day weekend.

 

“The pool is ready and this year, for the most part, getting things in order went pretty smoothly. The only thing we didn’t get done that we wanted to was all of the painting in the pool that we had hoped to complete,” said Shuttleworth. “It’s probably a little less than half of what we wanted, but that’s due to the weather we’ve had for some time now. Other than the last few days, getting several good days of cooperative weather in a row hasn’t been available.”

 

Along with addressing painting and other basic maintenance, Shuttleworth said minor electrical issues have also been addressed. As for things people will notice, Shuttleworth said it’s something that he hopes will remain for most of the pool season.

 

“Last year, after we finished construction of the (retaining) wall (behind the diving area), the beach area was a bit of a disaster. Once the season was complete and heading into this year we put down grass and just let it grow untouched. That area, and the area behind the kids’ pool, is like walking on a living room carpet,” said Shuttleworth. “After people are walking on it for a couple of weeks, it’s possible that could change. Right now, it’s really nice.”

 

Admission Sunday and Monday – and once the pool reopens for the summer later – is as follows:

-          Ages 2 and under:  free

-          Ages 3 to 11: $3.50

-          Ages 12 and up: $4.50

-          Ages 55 and older: $3.50.

 

Editor's Note: File photos by www.benqueenphotography.com.