City pool open for summertime fun

By Michael Brooks
Staff Writer
Another break-in at the Edna city pool and Little League concession stands happened the night of May 31. Brad Ryan, City of Edna’s Director of Public Works, reported at the June 1 city council meeting this is the second time within a month a break-in has occured.
“There was no vandalism, it was just theft. Gatorade, chips, candy bars,” Ryan said.
“Kid stuff,” Clinton Wooldridge echoed. “Summer hasn’t started if the pool hasn’t been broken into.”
Ryan said stronger precautions have been made to hopefully prevent a future break-in. “We have tightly secured the area where they have been breaking through, and the police will be making more rounds,” Ryan said.
The pool is open 12-6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturdays, but Ken Barton, pool manager, said it can be reserved for private parties.
“It is $120 for two hours, and you get two lifeguards. You can bring your own food and just have a good time. But, if you wait too long, all of the slots (available for a party) will be gone. The Saturdays are already booked up until school starts,” Barton said.
If you aren’t interested in a party and just want to go for a swim, general admission is $1.50.
The City of Edna has a contract with the YMCA of Victoria, and they strive to keep the pool clean and family friendly. The city of Edna provides chemicals and pays the bills, and the YMCA provides the lifeguards.
“I want it to be a family pool. We press on the lifeguards to make sure that everyone keeps their act clean when they come to the pool,” Barton said. “If someone is being a public nuisance, they will be asked to sit out or leave.”
Edna City Manager Don Doering agrees with Barton. “I take my kids about a dozen times a year. It’s always clean and clear. The lifeguards are really great. They do what they are supposed to do, and everyone listens to them.”
If you have a child that would like to visit the school, but they don’t know how to swim, the Edna pool also offers swimming lessons. The morning lessons will begin on June 18 and run through the 27. They are from 9:30 to 10:10 for three to five years, and 10:10 to 10:50 for six to 12 years. There will be two different dates for evening lessons; the first will run from July 9 through July 18, and the second will be from July 23 to August 1. Even sessions will run from 6:45 to 7:15 for three to five year olds, and 7:15 to 8:00 for six to 12 year olds. The price is $50 for any community participant.