Pool opens season with a splash

By Patrick Fisher, Staff Writer

The New Prague Area Pool, 401 Lexington Ave. S, opened for the season Monday, June 13, one day later than planned.

That's because rain falling early Sunday afternoon led to the decision not to open the pool that day.

New Prague Community Education and the city of New Prague work together on providing the pool for area residents. Amy Eich, Director of Community Services for New Prague Area Schools, said there are 16 staff members this year. Some will be working as lifeguards, some will teach lessons and some will do both.

Joining Mike Tschimperle, program coordinator for the pool, will be Tim Klingbeil as operational coordinator. He will be in charge of the safety procedures and open swimming at the pool, while Tschimperle is in charge of swimming lessons and the concessions.

Eich noted 450 people are signed up for lessons so far, which ranges from the Kid Swim to level six. There are new times for the pool's open swim, which will be from 1 to 5 p.m. when there are evening lessons in July and the four special events. Eich said those special days are all Fridays on June 24, July 1 and 29 and August 12, from 6-8 p.m. More information will be available on the special events at the pool at a later date. All other open swim days are from 1 to 7 p.m.

Eich said city crews, under the supervision of Ron Bruzek, worked hard to take care of maintenance of the pool, including installing a new diving board and some tiles.

The pool opens for a minimum air temperature of 68 degrees, according to the pool thermometer. The pool closes for severe or threatening weather, if lighting is sighted, if the heat index becomes unsafe for staff, for mechanical failure or if conditions make use of the pool impractical or unsafe.

Lesson registration, season passes and punch cards are available online at ce.isd721.org or by calling New Prague Community Education at 952-758-1734.