On May 31 the popular Recreation Pool might not be as packed as usual.
The Manor Pool, located at 1525 Tulip Lane at Temple Drive is expected to reopen by May 31. Grand re-opening day admission will be free for everyone. Located in Slide Hill Park in East Davis, ceremonies will take place from 1 to 1:30 p.m. and the pool will be open until 6 p.m.
The official opening day is still tentative, but is expected by May 31 or early June, said Connie Foppiano, community services manager.
The facility underwent many changes during the past year. The Davis Parks and Community Services department’s May 2007 press release reported that the complex had a leak in one pool and replacements to electrical and mechanical systems would be made.
“The pool is 35 years old with ancient, ancient equipment,” said Michael Mitchell, senior civil engineer and project manager.
The complex will now be up to current health and safety codes after the renovation because every pool will have its own pump and systems. Previously, the four pools were all linked together, which is no longer up to code, Mitchell said.
The Manor Pool Complex Rehabilitation project started in 2000, when renovations first began. The budget for the project was $736,000, according to the Public Works department website.
“The Parks [and Community Services] Department has tried to gather money for this project for years,” Mitchell said.
The renovations made have made a visible difference, said Jim Newman, parks and general services superintendent.
“People will definitely see a difference. There’s lots of colorful objects, new landscaping and different kinds of pools and attractions,” said Newman in an e-mail interview. “We expect that Manor Pool will be even more popular than it was before it closed. Kids will be excited to play on both the waterslide and the splash pad which has several different kinds of interactive spray events.”
The pool also features a renovated concession stand and two new diving boards. The two smaller pools were replaced and combined into a zero-entry pool, meaning there is a gradual, sloping entryway.
Davis resident Chareen Carpenter, who was born and raised in Davis, said her kids are excited to use the renovated pool.
While the Manor Pool was closed last summer, she and her family went to Arroyo Pool in West Davis, she said.
“Feedback we received indicated that [the] Manor Pool was missed by the public and East Davis residents,” said Michelle Wierschem, community services superintendent, in an e-mail interview.
The wait is almost over and the Manor Pool is soon to be available once again.
“It’s very gratifying to see it finally completed,” Mitchell said.
SASHA LEKACH can be reached at city@californiaaggie.com
