City opening South Troy Pool Saturday
Council approves free admission to recently renovated facility
The South Troy Pool will open Saturday for the first time since 2016, giving residents an opportunity to cool off when temperatures are forecast by the National Weather Service to approach 90 degrees.
The City Council voted unanimously Thursday night during a special meeting to waive entrance fees for city residents.
“The pool opening is long overdue. This is perfect timing for the kids. The unanimous support for waiving the fees is the cherry on top of the sundae,” City Council President Carmella Mantello said.
The pool will open at 1 p.m. Saturday. Due to temperatures expected to climb above 90 degrees Sunday, the pool will be opened that day as well. The usual pool hours are Monday through Saturday 1 to 6 p.m.
The pool will be limited to use by 50 people to meet state COVID-19 health guidelines, the city said. Only city residents will be allowed access to the pool. Children under 18-yearsold must be accompanied by an adult. The changing rooms will be closed, social distancing must be observed and a mask is required when not in the water.
The city shut the South Troy Pool and the Knickerbacker Park Pool after the 2016 swimming season after determining they were no longer safe to use and required repairs. The city attempted to open the South Troy Pool in 2019 but did not finish the renovations in time. There’s a plan for Knickerbacker Park Pool to be demolished and a new pool built at the park.
The refurbished South Troy Pool will greet swimmers when the gates open at 1 p.m. Saturday.
“Updates to this facility represent a complete renovation that improves safety for patrons, increases accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and will add decades of life to the facility with proper maintenance,” Mayor Patrick Madden said.
In addition to free admission, the city will offer free swimming lessons for children from 10 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday beginning July 27. There are two sessions, July 27-Aug. 7 and Aug. 10 to Aug. 21. Registration is required. For information call the city Department of Park and Recreation at 518-270-1125.
A free lunch program will be provided at the pool by the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Capital Area from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday for children 17-years-old and younger.