Most everyone associates water parks and swimming pools with summer. It’s an activity that not only is fun, but also is good exercise and can be very refreshing on a hot day.
The new Camp Bowie Family Aquatic Center has really been a hit with the locals since its opening on July 3rd. Visitors from cities such as Coleman, Tye, Clyde and other areas in the Big Country have also gotten word and have come to enjoy the new facility.
The capacity of the complex is 424 people and according to city officials, two of the first five days the pool has been open, they have reached full capacity. People have had to wait in line until someone leaves to gain entry if it is at capacity. Over these first five days of operation, there have been 2,577 people total enjoy the benefits of the center with an average of about 429 per day according to the city’s Parks & Recreation Director David Withers.
Parking has been interesting. With the newly paved lot, there are only center stripes on the rows, leaving it up to drivers to park responsibly. Some have been parking at the end of rows (where parking is not marked) making navigation and access a bit difficult. Others have chosen to park across the street in the parking lot of the old Camp Bowie pool when the new lot is at capacity. City officials are planning to finish the final coat of asphalt on the parking lot and fully stripe and mark the spaces at the end of the season. But don’t worry, there are designated and fully striped handicapped spaces available.
City officials are also working to make swim lanes for adults who wish to exercise since many patrons have expressed interest in such a possibility.
Withers said, “I asked the Head Lifeguard to keep up with the numbers swimming to see what would be a good time to offer lane swimming without the pool being too crowded. As of right now it seems hard to find that time since we are so busy but be patient.”
Withers offered an alternative until the swim lanes are opened. Aqua-Aerobics is currently being taught at Wiggins Pool on Tuesday and Thursday nights and will run through August. The class started on July 6th and costs $30 for the five week course. Those interested in the aqua-aerobics can contact Lynn Humeniuk at 646-1657. Humeniuk is teaching the class and is a certified Group Fitness Instructor.
“What I like about the pool is that we have something for everyone such as Zero Entry, Tot slide, Tear Drop Feature, Lazy River with tubes, Large Slide, Diving Board, Lily Pad Feature and Lane swimming,” stated Withers. “We also have shade umbrellas, pavilion area, and lounge chairs.”
When asked what the biggest stress was in building the facility, Withers replied, “Really the only stress was trying to get the pool open as soon as possible and taking care of all the details.”
City officials and citizens are very proud of the facility and are taking full advantage of its presence. Withers said, “Everything is working good and the lifeguards are doing a great job.”
