It appears the Jones Aquatic Center is finally off and rolling for the summer.
The pool facility unofficially reopened Wednesday after a combination of rain, cool temperatures and storm-related equipment issues drastically hampered operations. Aquatic Center Supervisor Jennifer Wegener says it was a relief to have a full day open for people to enjoy.
Temperatures need to be 75 degrees or warmer for the pool to be open, and high temperatures struggled to meet that mark for several days — including the opening weekend late last month. On June 3, a lightning strike put a pump out of commission, so the city had to order replacement parts and Wegener was busy earlier this week adjusting chemicals so the pool would be safe for use.
This is a busy stretch for the Aquatic Center, with kayak lessons Saturday and Father’s Day Swim on Sunday. Swim lessons, fitness classes, Family Friday Splash nights and a Sensory Swim are all ahead this summer.
4:40 pm Wednesday:
Things may finally be going the Jones Aquatic Center’s way.
After limited opening availability because of storms, rainfall and cooler-than-normal temperatures, followed by weather-related damage to a pump, the Aquatic Center reopened to the public for a full day of normal hours Wednesday.
The Aquatic Center’s second round of closures started last Tuesday when a lightning strike rendered a pump useless. The city of Emporia ordered the needed replacement equipment, installed it and worked this week to make sure the chemical levels were properly balanced.
