An increase in people means an increase in fun for activites down at the Joe LaPorte, Jr. Recreational Area.

That’s the attitude the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department is taking this year as they are work to implement a large-scale celebration at the facility on Saturday, Sept. 1, to celebrate Labor Day weekend.

Throughout the day, admission will be free at Franklin Pool, which also includes the newly-installed splashpad. Along with activities at the pool area, the pavilion adjacent to the facility will also include inflatables, music, food and drinks for purchases and other items for the public.

“We’ve done this as an annual event but our goal this year is to give it a shot in the arm and make it larger to handle the amount of people that have stopped by the pool,” said David Nanney, recreation manager. “This event is a way to give the public a chance to join together and have some fun to celebrate the Labor Day weekend.”

Activities near the pavilion are expected to start around 1 p.m. and go until 8 p.m. with a variety of musical acts.

Bulking up the program is part of Parks & Recs’ goal to bulk up different projects and events throughout the city. Having an increase in resources leading into Labor Day is a goal the department is hopes to continue, Nanney said.

And building up the Labor Day event was a no brainer, Nanney said, especially with the feedback the public has given to Franklin Pool. The addition of a splashpad has also helped encourage foot traffic to the recreational area.

“We’ve had a great response to the splashpad this year,” Nanney said. “That’s really helped increase the numbers at the pool. A lot of people, of all ages, have been able to take advantage of the splashpad and we’re glad the people seem to enjoy it.”

Further information on the event will be provided in the coming months on the department’s Facebook page and website.

But as plans continue for the Labor Day bash at the pool, the summer slate of fun continues over the next few weeks as part of the Covered Bridge Jams concert series held at Covered Bridge Park. Each Saturday at 7 p.m. the department allows a band to perform for the public, free of charge, as a way for residents to join together in fellowship and fun near downtown.

To learn more about the different activities underway at the department, call (423) 547-6440.