Signs of summer; Austin Municipal Pool opens today

Published 7:49 am Monday, June 12, 2017

Summer is finally here, and nothing is as refreshing as a dip in the pool to beat the summer heat.

The Austin Municipal Pool will be opening at 1 p.m. on Monday, June 12. The pool season will run until Aug. 17, with a special Doggie Dip being held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 18. The Municipal Pool has been keeping Austinites cool for many years, with the current pool being open since 1985.

According to Austin Parks and Recreation Director Kim Underwood, community residents can sign-up for a new class.

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“We will be having Water Zumba classes this year with instructor Christine Seppanen starting on June 12,” she said. Water Zumba will be offered as a 10-week course for $35 per person.

Seppanen will also teach an eight-week deep-water exercise course for $28 per person.

Swimming lessons for kids will also be available this year at various levels. They are:

•Sand Dollar: Ages 6 to 36 months

•Sea Turtle: Ages 3 + years

•Penguin: Introduction to Water Skills

•Otter: Fundamental Aquatic Skills

•Seal: Stroke Development

•Manatee: Stroke Improvement

•Dolphin: Stroke Refinement

All lessons are two weeks and cost $30.

The Austin Municipal Pool will also be hosting several swim meets this year.

Mark Vininski, the founder and owner of Atlantis Swimming Federation, said that Austin served as a great host last summer.

“Austin probably has the best pool in the state of Minnesota for outdoor swimming,” he said. “We cannot give the city of Austin any more credit for what they did last year. When the lights weren’t shining directly on the pool, the city came in on Saturday to adjust and the swimming officials couldn’t believe it. They were in utter shock. No other pool in the state gets that kind of treatment.”

The pool will host two Atlantis Swimming Federation meets on June 9-11 and July 8-9. It will host the Minnesota State Swim Championship from July 21-23.

Underwood said the pool has received a grant from the Hormel Foundation for a new slide, which she hopes will be open next year.

She encourages everyone to come cool off at the Pool.

“Come to the pool and have fun,” she said.

The Austin Municipal Pool, located at 600 Main St. N, will be open from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Monday thorugh Friday, 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 2 to 7 p.m. on Sunday. The pool will also be open from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Daily admission is $3 per person. Ages two and under are free.

The Aug. 18 Doggie Dip costs $2 per dog. Two people accompanying the dog are free, with each additional person costing $1.

Season memberships are available for $30 and can be purchased at the pool or the Austin Park and Recreation Office at City Hall, located at 500 Fourth Ave. NE.

For details, schedules and class times call 507-433-1881 or visit http://www.ci.austin.mn.us/Parkandrec/Brochure.pdf.

Following the rules at the Austin Municipal Pool is important for everyone’s safety.

•Pool capacity is 700 maximum.

•Anyone having open sores shall not be permitted in the pool.

•No one under the influence of controlled substances shall be permitted into the Austin Municipal Pool Facility.

•No horseplay or inappropriate behavior is allowed in the pool facility.

• No inflatable toys are allowed. Beach balls, diving toys, and soft pool toys are allowed.

•Use of waterproof sunscreen is highly recommended. No tanning oils allowed.

•Appropriate swim apparel required in pool. Swim diapers are required in pool.

•No glass or metal objects are allowed in the pool area.

•Adult supervision required for all non-swimmers and children under age 8 years.

•Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices and floatation suits are only allowed if an adult is in the water within arms reach.

•Emergency equipment, including guard towers, is for lifeguard use only.

•No hanging or swinging on handicap ramp, ladders, or ropes.

•No carrying children/persons on back or shoulders.

•Only food and beverage purchased at pool concessions may be consumed in pool picnic area.

•If the pool should close for any reason, no refunds.

•Patrons engaging in unsafe or disruptive behavior will be asked to leave the facility.