The Wibit
The Warner Park Pool will open Saturday, with new features added.
2012 was a record-breaking year in the long history of Warner Park Pool, and the relatively new Spray and Play. 60,000 visitors splashed from Memorial Day to Labor Day including hundreds who participated in swim lessons, water aerobics and birthday parties. Warner Park Pool and the Spray and Play are ready for another big summer season.
“We are proud to offer a unique, family atmosphere that users desire” said Eric Jelinski, assistant director of Recreation, “toddlers can enjoy splashing in the spray park, kids can play in the kiddie pools, and everyone can try their luck on our floating obstacle course, all in a safe and well supervised aquatics center.”
One of Warner Park Pool’s biggest successes has been the addition of the “WBIT”, a large floating obstacle course featured in the deep end of the pool.
Thousands of youth and adults tried their luck at running across while many splashed into pool waters below. This year, Warner Park Staff will add a large inflatable slide, titled the Aquaglide Extreme, which is an 18’ long, 10’ high inflatable, floating slide that will have participants launching into the deep end.
“Participants line up to try out the inflatables we offer,” said Peggy Grall, Aquatics director, “but the best part is, even though we require a swim test to access the deep end, pool guest are also lining up to take swim lessons just so they can use the new features. They learn to swim, potentially saving their lives, and they have fun, It’s a win win for all.”
Starting Saturday at 12:30 p.m., the gates will open for the summer season. The pool and spray park will remain open daily through Labor Day. Popular features like “families for $5 after 5 p.m.” on Mondays will continue with longer opening hours on Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Registration for swim lessons at $34 for eight half-hour lessons, will begin on opening day for ages preschool through adult, with classes being held Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Two sessions will be offered, starting June 4-26, and July 9-July 31.
Outdoor water aerobics classes will expand this year, with new classes held Mondays at 6:15 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m., along with numerous indoor classes at South Chattanooga and Brainerd Community Center.
Reservations for birthday and graduation pool and/or spray park parties are already being excepted be calling 423 697-1334. 2012 broke records for birthday parties, at over 100 parties for all ages.
Pool schedules are available for download at Chattanooga.gov, featuring Warner Park, and the City of Chattanooga’s Carver Outdoor Pool, and the city’s three indoor pools, South Chattanooga, Brainerd and North River YMCA (discount for city residents).
Carver Pool, at Carver Community Center (600 N. Orchard Knob Road) will open to the public, Monday-Friday from 12:30-4 p.m. The cost is $2 for 18 and older, and just $1 for 17 and under.
“We are ready” said Ms. Grall, “We are expecting another busy season, and my staff and my lifeguards are trained, prepared, and ready to go. This will be another great summer to remember.”
For more information on all of the City of Chattanooga’s aquatics options, call Peggy Grall, Aquatics director at 697-1385.
Warner Park Staff: 423 697-4857
Carver Pool Staff: 423 622-7665