Avon Lake Pool Readying for Opening Day

Following an inaugural season that boasted crowds so large visitors were turned away, the city of Avon Lake is readying the community pool for another season. The pool, officially called , opens Friday, June 3.

Avon Lake City Engineer Joe Reitz said residents are urged to sign up for pool passes online.

 “I highly encourage people to do that,” Reitz said. “June 3 will be here before you know it.”

The city began filling the 500,000-gallon pool on May 23 and finished the following day.

 This year, visitors will have additional space to sunbathe on the grass. The pool’s fence was moved back 12 feet on the east side, opening up the entire side.

While residents rates have remained the same ($3 for adults, $2 for youth and free admission for seniors older than 60 and preschool children), guest rates have increased. The prices for guests are $4 for children, $5 for adults and $2 for guests older than 60. Previously, rates for guests were the same as residents. Proof of residency is required.

Family pool passes are $125 and individual passes are $45 per person.

Last year’s hot summer helped contribute to regular attendance exceeding the expected 800 visitors per day.

“There were several days last year we had to close the pool because we had 1,200 people,” Avon Lake Mayor K.C. Zuber said in this year’s State of the City address.

The 2011 pool season runs from June 3 through Sept. 5. Hours are as follows through Aug. 23: Monday – Friday,1 p.m. - 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. From Aug. 24 – Sept. 5 the pool’s hours will restrict to 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Monday – Friday. Weekend hours will remain the same.

The $3.85-million fully-automated aquatic center opened last year to great fanfare. The center was paid for by a bond approved by the city’s voters.  It includes a super slide, lazy river, splash pad and swimming lanes (see photo gallery). The pool came in under budget, resulting in additional improvements made to where the pool is located.