By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The city of Hoisington could not have timed its opening of the new pool much better. Temperatures climbed well past the century mark last Friday and are expected to remain there for a while.
Hoisington City Administrator Jonathan Mitchell gave the new facilities a big thumbs up after two weeks of service.
"I know the community seems to be responding well," he said. "We've got a dynamite management team with Maleigha Schmidt and Suzanna Schneider, who have worked extremely hard to get the pool ready to open. We made it by July 1, which was our goal all along. We've had great attendance. There are a few little things we're trying to work out, some kinks with the splash pad, but I think the kids don't seem to mind. They're just happy to have water and slides."
Construction on the $3 million facility in Bicentennial Park began shortly after last year's swimming season in August. The new pool features a zero-depth entry point, a splash pad that works even with the pool is closed, two slides, a basketball goal, and a diving board.
Mitchell said the project was made possible with the help of many community partners, including Superior Essex, which has supplied wire for cameras at the pool and around the park.
"We've been putting cameras out at the pool to make sure we protect the investment the community has made there, and also to keep our youngsters safe," he said. "As part of that, you need to have a lot of wire. Superior Essex has donated all of the communications cable for that project. That's not a small investment."
The new Hoisington pool is open 1-5 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 1-7 p.m. on Saturday.