The Austin Municipal Pool will open for aquatic enthusiasts Saturday, with the option of renting the pool new for summer 2009.

As in years past, the pool will be available for open swim during the day. New this year will be the option of renting the pool at an hourly rate for special events and gatherings.

Parks and recreation director Kim Underwood said the new rental option is aimed at garnering new interest in the pool.

“Sometimes you have to change it up a little,” she said.

The rental rates are as follow: $150 per hour for the pool, slide, diving well and Tot Lot; $135 per hour for the pool, slide and well; and $100 per hour for the pool and slide. Rentals are available starting at 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and at 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. They can be made at the parks and recreation office.

Open swim takes place from 1 to 6:45 p.m. daily. Admission is $25 for the season, or $3 per day.

Underwood said rentals would work well for events such as graduation and birthday parties, potlucks, and family reunions. Already this weekend a birthday party is renting the pool, she added.

To get ready for the 1 p.m. season opening, Underwood said cleaning and maintenance have to be finished on the pool. Beyond that, the pool will need a little luck in the weather department as well—inclement weather and temperatures below 66 degrees keep the pool closed.

Underwood said she is excited for the 2009 pool season to get underway.

“It’s a great facility,” she said. “Come out and use it.”

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For more information about the Austin Municipal Pool, call the Austin Department of Parks, Recreation & Forestry at (507)433-1881