The pool is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and from noon to 7 p.m. Sundays.
“We’re super-excited about opening,” said Stephanie Credit, a Franklin teacher who has managed the pool for the past 18 years. “When there’s something to do, it keeps kids out of trouble.”
Franklin completed rebuilding the concrete decking around the pool as well as replacing the underground circulation piping that had collapsed or got plugged up and added additional drain pipes this year.
Last year, the city did a number of external upgrades from painting to installing a new perimeter fence and a fence around the baby pool, according to Franklin Mayor Todd Hall.
“We want to keep it around for as long as we possibly can,” Hall said.
City Manager Sonny Lewis said pool improvements cost about $190,000, with $105,000 coming from a state NatureWorks grant. The city has been working on the improvements for the past two years.
Here are five things to know about the pool:
1. It’s jointly owned
Opened in 1977, the Paul E. Fitzgerald Pool is jointly owned by Franklin Twp. and the city of Franklin. Both entities pay for a bulk of the operating costs with user fees such as memberships, rentals and other activities covering the remaining costs. The city spent about $150,000 in operating costs for the pool, according to Lewis.
2. Olympic size pool attracts school swim teams
The pool is Olympic size at 50 meters in length. That’s why summer swim teams from Middletown, Hamilton, Springboro and Kettering use the facility to train and compete.
3. One of the few remaining public pools in area
The pool is one of a handful of public swimming pools in the area as many communities have closed their outdoor pools and went to splash-pads. Patrons come from Franklin, Carlisle, Franklin Twp., Springboro, Clearcreek Twp., and Germantown, officials said.
4. Residents get discount on family passes
Franklin, Carlisle (Warren County portion) and Franklin Twp. families get $50 discount for a season pass which is $50 less for a non-resident family pass that costs $200..
5. Season passes are available
There is a daily admission charge and patrons can purchase pool passes for the summer by calling the city offices at 937-746-9921 as well as rental information for the pool and pool shelter.
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