This Saturday the City of Elizabethton’s Franklin Pool will open it’s gates and invite residents to dive right into the summer swim season.
“We’re all set to go,” said David Nanney, director of athletics and aquatics for the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department.
The Franklin Pool is part of Elizabethton’s Joe LaPorte Recreation Facility and is located on Franklin Club Drive between Sycamore Shoals Hospital and Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area. The Franklin Pool is Olympic size and is complete with two diving boards, a fenced in kiddie pool, acres of grassy area for lounging. Two covered pavilions are located inside the gated facility for use by pool patrons.
Nanney said this may be the last season that a traditional kiddie pool is part of the facility.
“By next season we hope to have a splash pad installed,” he said, adding the city Parks and Rec Department has applied for a matching grant to fund the improvement to the facility.
“We are hoping to get that and if we do we will be able to take down the baby pool and put in a splash pad,” Nanney said. “It’s just a great thing for any age.”
The facility also includes a snack bar featuring a variety of food, snack items, and cool treats.
Franklin Pool has a list of rules to help make sure that everyone has a safe and fun time while enjoying the facility.
“When you come to the pool, take a look at the rules,” Nanney said. “We just ask that people adhere to the rules for their safety. Our lifeguards and staff are there to promote safety and protect everyone but we need our guests’ help as well.”
The pool is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and on Sundays from 1-5:30 p.m. Admission to the pool is $3.
“We’re doing our after hours pool parties from 6-8 p.m.,” Nanney said. “We do them on any night.”
The cost for an after hours private pool party $125 which includes admission for up to 49 guests. The price for private parties with 50 or more guests is $200. For very large groups, such as sports leagues, Nanney said pricing may exceed $200 because the pool must maintain a certain number of lifeguards based on the number of people at the pool. Those interested in booking private parties or want to inquire about pricing for an extra large group should call Nanney at 423-547-6440.