BEDFORD – The John Lowery Pool was opened Friday. The community has been waiting a long time to be able to go swimming again.
Some youth have waited over a year to be able to dive into the cool refreshing water after COVID -19 closed public pools throughout the state last summer.
“I have been swimming since I was five, last year I did not get to go swimming and I am just excited to be able to go swimming with friends,” said Gracie Labadie age 10, Bedford.
“I prefer swimming in cleaner waters, last year I had to swim in the lakes and creeks with my uncles and friends. I go swimming for the enjoyment,” said Aiden Henderson age 11, Bedford.
This year was a challenging year for public pools and state parks to attract the level of lifeguards needed to safely manage the pool.
John Lowery Pool currently has 17 lifeguards with three more awaiting background checks, but Parks Director Jimmy Jones states that at this time there are enough lifeguards to operate on the current schedule. It’s customary to experience some turnover the first couple of weeks of the opening season.
Dayson Sorrells is the pool manager for the John Lowery Municipal Pool. While this is his first year in this new role, Sorrells has worked at the pool over the last four years.
“The lifeguards and I have been putting a lot of time in getting the pool ready. Last year, we were disappointed that the pool was not opened. But, we are ready to go this year. Its going to be a good season,” said Sorrells.
“It takes a lot of cleaning especially since the pool had been closed for so long. The decks had to be cleaned and swept, along with lifeguard testing and certification, which was challenging this year. There was also a lot of behind the scenes things that had to be taken care of in the office,” Sorrells added.
The pool is fully staffed, however that could change on a daily basis. The Bedford Parks Department is still taking applications for lifeguards and cashiers.
The water was still a little bit cool for the opening day, but it did not take long for the kids to hit the water for a day of fun.
Air-Master Heating and Air Conditioning provided free admission up to $1,500 for pool guests on opening day.
Pool hours will be noon until 6:00 p.m. Adult lap swimming will be from 11:00 a.m. until 11:50 a.m. and an announcement in regards to swim lessons will be made on June 11, 2021.
There will be no season passes sold this year. Daily fees for pool use will be collected.
Fees for the pool:
- Ages 2 and under = no charge
- Ages 3-17 =$2.50
- Adults =$3.00
For any questions, contact the Bedford Parks Department.
