Swim Fans Can Go From School To Pool Two City Pools Will Be Open Saturday For Jump On Summer

(From For the Record, Saturday, June 3, 1995:) While the use of city pools is free for children under 18 after June 17, adults must pay $1.50. The cost was listed incorrectly Friday.

With school still in session, the warm weather is probably taunting sun-lovers stuck in classrooms.

They won’t have to wait until summer vacation, however, to dive into a public swimming pool. At least two open this weekend in Spokane.

Outdoor pools at Shadle Park and Mission Park are being prepared for Saturday openings, said David Early, Spokane city parks and aquatics director.

Every year, two city pools open early for swimmers who want to get a jump on summer. Other city and county pools are being prepared for the summer season.

Most of the pools need routine maintenance such as cleaning and repainting. Some, however, are getting more attention.

Park Road was one of three county pools that officials considered closing last spring because of major leakage. Even though the leaks were stopped and the pool was operating last summer, Park Road is now undergoing a different type of renovation. It will be wheelchair-accessible by the time it opens June 23, said Randy Johnson, Spokane County recreational specialist.

By that time, Lindsay Christensen, 6, will be finishing her swimming lessons at the downtown YMCA. Terri Christensen, Lindsay’s mother, said Lindsay will be making waves in a public pool throughout the summer.

“Since Lindsay has started swimming, we’ll probably spend more time at Shadle pool,” Christensen said.

Lindsay won’t be alone. While older kids are at school and adults are at work, younger children are dog paddling past hydrophobia and becoming water-friendly at indoor pools at Whitworth College, the YMCA and the YWCA.

Janae Nelson sat poolside at the YMCA this week as a group of 6- and 7-year-olds swayed in the water with the help of J-shaped floatation devices called “noodles.” One of the youngsters was Nelson’s son, Chris, 7, who is steadily overcoming his fear of water.

With her children becoming more comfortable in the water, Nelson said she will take them to public pools this summer.

“We don’t have a pool at home, and the kids have really enjoyed this outlet,” Nelson said.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Pool openings Here is a list of area swimming pools open to the public: Spokane city pools opening Saturday include Witter in Mission Park at Mission and Upriver Drive, and the Shadle outdoor pool at Longfellow and Oak. Cost until June 17 is 50 cents for children, $1.50 adults. After that, use of all city pools is free. Call 625-6960 for city pool information. Spokane city pools opening June 17 include the Shadle indoor pool; Hillyard, located at Market and Joseph; Comstock, at 29th and Howard; Liberty, Fifth and Pittsburg; and Cannon, Maxwell and Elm. Spokane County pools opening June 23 include Holmberg, 9615 N. Wall; Park Road, 906 N. Park; Terrace View, 13525 E. 24th; and Valley Mission, 11123 E. Mission. $1 admission, free for children 5 and under accompanied by an adult. Call 456-4730 for information. The Whitworth College pool, 300 W. Hawthorne, is now open. Cost is $2 for all ages. Call 466-1000 for information. The YMCA pool, in Riverfront Park at 507 N. Howard, is now open. A day pass is required. Call 838-3577 for information. The YWCA pool, 829 W. Broadway, is now open. Cost is $6 for all ages, with discounts available for members. Call 326-1190 for information. The Colville city pool opens Tuesday. Cost is $1.50, with summer passes available. Call 684-6037 for information. The Colfax city pool opens June 12. Cost is $1.25, with summer passes available. Call 397-3861 for information. The Pullman city pool opens June 12. Cost is $1. Call 334-4555 for information. The Cheney city pool opens June 17. Cost is 75 cents, but free for children under 5 accompanied by an adult. Call 235-7211 for information. - Isamu Jordan