Judy Kramer
County Reporter
The Warsaw Municipal Pool, which opened 10 years ago on Memorial Day weekend at 1009 Jackson Street, began its summer season 2023 on Sunday, June 4 with plans for plenty of fun and exercise. Although it was scheduled to open the previous week, mechanical problems with the pumps had to be corrected. Nina Sprouse is beginning her third year as pool manager, and she is joined by 20 lifeguards.
“All of our lifeguards are high school athletes,” said Sprouse. “We are overstocked, but it is important to offer as many jobs as possible to young people. We have not determined when the pool will close this season because our lifeguards will need to report for training when school starts. We are waiting to get information from the high school about its fall schedule.”
Daily admittance to the pool is $4.50, and a seven-visits punch card is $28. Punch cards for 24 visits are $90, for 48 visits is $168 and the daily twilight swim after 5:00 PM is $2.25.
Sprouse said that there are many opportunities for swimming classes, parties, lap swimming and open swimming. Open swim hours are Sunday, 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and Monday through Saturday from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM Minnows swim lessons (introductory level), Fish swim lessons (beginner level), Dolphins (Intermediate), and Sharks (Advanced) will be starting at the end of June. Cost will be $15 for 15 minutes, and $40 for 30 minutes. Water
Aerobics will cost $80 for a season pass and will be offered Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM and on Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM for $3.50 per visit. Lap swimming is from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at a cost of $1. There are also daily concessions. Those who want to schedule a birthday party, reunion, or other type of group pool party, call the pool at (660) 428-2199 for group rate information.
“Even though the costs of running the pool have gone up, we want to keep our patrons happy with discounts when possible. Non-profit organizations can schedule private parties, and groups like those in T-Ball can throw a party after hours. There are not enough weekends to do all requested special parties, but we can accommodate some with after-hours parties.”
Sprouse is a teacher during the school year. She is currently switching from her job with Mizzou Academy to teaching business classes at Warsaw High School.
Cole Camp Swimming Pool, a private pool located at 606 West Bluebird Drive, opened on Saturday, June 4. It had to delay its opening to take care of a water leak and will be working on other pool projects in the fall. The Cole Camp Swimming Pool Board President, Taylor Hayes, said that the pool first opened in 1981 and because of its age needs to have parts replaced. She said that some people who created the pool are not around anymore, so it is unknown what kinds of plumbing and other fixtures were used. She said that the pool underwent some big projects this spring.
“We have memberships, but the pool is also open to the public,” said Hayes. “Anybody can buy a daily pass, but there are only so many available to the public compared to members. Beginning June 12, we will have open swim from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM Monday through Friday. Water Aerobics will be 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM Monday through Friday at $5 a session, or $50 for a season pass.”
Non-member daily admission is $6. However, Sunday is Fun-Day with half price admission of $3 per person or $10 per family.
Swim lessons are offered June 19-23, June 26-30, and July 10-14 at 9:35 AM to 10:20 AM, 10:25 AM to 11:10 AM, and 11:15 AM to 12:00 PM. Lessons must be paid in full before a spot for a child will be held. The cost for members is $40 and for non-members $60. To schedule, stop by the pool or call (660) 668-2424.
Private pool parties and private swimming lessons will also be offered. Hayes said that typically there is a family fun day in mid or late July where there are cardboard boat races and contests for kids.
“We will close the pool on August 19 because all of our lifeguards and our manager are either students or work at school,” said Hayes. “We have seven lifeguards, four who are returning to us.”
Hayes said that the Board will have an annual fundraiser for the pool on October 8 at the pool. It will be a drive-by fish fry dinner funded by free will donations.
