02-05-2025
Columbus pools set to open Summer 2025
COLUMBUS, Ga. () — After years of being shut down, three beloved Columbus pools are making a comeback, just in time for summer.
Rigdon Park, Psalmond Road, and Shirley Winston pools all originally closed between 2015 and 2019 due to growing maintenance issues.
Construction that began in 2023 is now nearly complete. Starting May 28, the pools will officially reopen, joining the Double Churches pool and the Columbus Aquatic Center in reviving a cherished summer tradition and valuable recreational space for local families.
The funding for these renovations came from a special-purpose local-option sales tax, or SPLOST, approved in 2021.
While the pools are almost ready, the city is still working to fully staff them. This is an issue that's affecting communities across the country.
Director of the Columbus Parks and Recreation department, Holli Browder, said, 'You are currently looking at a deficit for lifeguards. We were actually featured on NPR statewide radio last week where they continue to have the same discussion we've had here in Columbus. That is not just a Columbus or Georgia related issue. It's nationwide. We're not looking at an effect opening. It would affect the operational hours and days. But again, we're being very optimistic and hopeful that we're going to be able to meet the numbers that we need to be sure that we can open those pools.'
Columbus lifeguards must be certified through the American Red Cross. Parks and Recreation is offering certification classes for qualified applicants. The classes are scheduled for May 1-4 and 8-10.
The city is encouraging anyone, from students to retirees, to consider applying.
Browder said, 'It could be anyone who has a desire to serve the community and serve in a lifesaving capacity as a lifeguard. It's ages 15 and up, and we're grateful to have anyone who's willing to serve in that position.'
Along with the pools, two new splash pads are set to open this summer, one at Carver Park and another at the City Services Center.
To celebrate, the city is planning several community events in June, including a 'Welcome Back to Summer' party for kids.
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