BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — The cover is off, the water is looking good and Martin County officials say they are racing summer to the finish line.
The Martin County Pool will officially open June 1, giving local families a place to cool off as school lets out and another Appalachian summer settles into the Tug Valley.
Workers removed the pool cover last week as preparations shifted into high gear, according to Martin County Deputy Judge/Executive Carolea Mills.
“We are working to stay ahead of schedule so that when school lets out, our families and kids can jump right into summer,” Mills said.
The county is also making improvements before opening day. Mills said Martin County secured an Area Development Fund grant to renovate the pool restroom stalls for the first time, a project valued at approximately $9,000.
“We’re pretty excited about that,” Mills said.
The pool will operate Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.
Daily admission will cost $5 for adults and $4 for children ages 12 and under.
Season passes will be available. A family pass for four members will cost $200, with additional family members added for $25 each. Individual passes will cost $100, while senior citizen passes will cost $60.
Private pool rentals will also return this summer with two evening time slots available from 6-8 p.m. and 8-10 p.m. Rentals cost $225 for two hours and include use of the shelter and two certified lifeguards if booked within 48 hours.
“Private parties are a great way for the community to help support the pool,” Mills said.
Until opening day, reservations may be made through the Martin County Judge/Executive’s Office at 606-298-2800. After the pool opens, call 606-953-7206 to make reservations.
Officials hope that a community-sponsored Saturday pass program that launched last summer will continue this summer. Local businesses and sponsors purchased pool passes that allowed children under 12 to swim for free on Saturdays.
“That was so successful,” Mills said. “People who don’t usually get to come to the pool came and enjoyed it. It really allowed families to spend a little money buying concessions.”
Mills said Ashwin Patel and America’s Quickmart in Inez have already signed on to sponsor the first Saturday of the season.
Businesses or residents interested in sponsoring additional Saturdays may contact the judge’s office. Sponsorships cost $500.
Mills said Partners for Appalachia and the Martin County Health Department obtained grants that will pay the workforce this year.
“Through partnerships, we will be able to open the pool and it will not be a burden on the fiscal court,” Mills said.