AMHERST – Just in time for what is forecast to be one of the warmest weekends of the year, a public wading pool in South Amherst has opened for the season.
The wading pool at Groff Park was welcoming youngsters at noon Friday and will remain open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
“We’re really happy about that,” said Leisure Services and Supplemental Education Director Linda Chalfant.
A lifeguard will be on duty at all times the wading pool is open, including weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Chalfant said.
The pool opened a few weeks later than normal due to issues with the 1950s-era pool holding water that were fixed by the Department of Public Works.
Chalfant said the “wader” is ideal for children 6 and under accompanied by their parents.
The full size Mill River Recreation Area pool and War Memorial Pool at Community Field remain open, along with a second wading pool at Mill River.
“We know it’s a hot weekend, so hopefully a lot of kids will find their way to the swimming pools,” Chalfant said.
Groff Park’s wading pool will remain open through Aug. 21.
The temporary closing of the wading pool comes as it could be in its final year of serving the community. Planning is underway to replace the pool with a spray park next summer, along with other improvements at Groff Park, including new playground equipment.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
