Pool opens for summer
Kids enjoyed the pool on a nice afternoon. The facility was built in 1960 and replaced the old existing pool. The "new" pool as it was once called has become and "old" pool.
Mason Frost jumps off the diving board while Mark Coleman patiently waits his turn.
Mark Coleman and Mason Frost test the pool waters before jumping in.
Perhaps some of the fondest memories of childhood are those spent splashing around in the town's swimming pool. Whether jumping off the diving board or doing belly flops, the community pool is the spot where children beg their parents to take them.
The first swimming pool in Superior was built back in 1936. In an old article from the Mineral Independent from 1961, the story of the first pool is recalled. In 1936, it seems that a delegation from the Child Study Club approached trustees with a request for a spot to build a wading pool. They had $185 in their treasury. Instead of the wading pool, the board suggested that they build a full sized pool instead. The pool was built on a corner of the school grounds.
The construction of the pool was inspired by a number of drowning in the river, according to Art Jensen, who recited the history at the pool's dedication, as few members of the community knew how to swim. The pool saw use from July through August each year until in 1960 it was ripped up and filled in.
In February of 1960, the town council of Superior met at the courthouse for the purpose of discussing a new city swimming pool. Unlike the old pool, the new pool would be heated and filtered. Members discussed asking the town to support a bond election for the purpose of using city bonds to pay for the pool. Mayor Anderson said that the town could be bonded in the amount of $31, 927.00 for the purpose of building the swimming pool. In the election, 179 ballots were cast: 134 in favor of and 45 opposed. A bid from the State Board of Land Commissioners in Helena was considered and adopted by the town council on June 20, 1960.
The town council agreed that the pool should be open seven days a week and set prices for admission. Children aged 14 and under paid a mere ten cents, while those aged 14 through 19 paid 25 cents in the afternoon and 35 cents in the evening. Adults paid the most, fishing out 45 cents to swim.
On September 12, 1960, the pool was named the Anderson Municipal Swimming Pool and on May 20, 1961, the pool opened for its first season.
And it has seen many more. This year marks the 49th summer that the pool has been open for public use.
"It has been loved to death," said Superior town clerk Brenda Schneider.
The "new" pool as it was referred to in the old town minutes has essentially become an "old" pool and has its shares of problems. From leaks in the pipes that work to the filter tank to the building beginning to sink, those tasked with the maintenance of the pool find themselves using some duct-tape methods to keep it up and running.
Schneider said that the town council approved an engineer who has been conducting a pool study on the existing facility.
"That will tell us is it worth it to renovate and bring it up to code compared to what it will cost to replace the facility all together," she said.
It costs approximately a little over $500 a day to run the pool, and only 25 percent of that expense is covered by the revenue the pool brings in. The expenses include electricity, maintenance, repairs, chemicals, employees and more. The report is expected to be finished around the time for the town's meeting on July 12. In the meantime, residents of Superior and those from outside the town continue to enjoy the pool. On Friday, June 18, kids were jumping off the diving board and splashing around in the water. Laughter was in the air as they raced each other back and forth.
Devon Parrish said he just has a good time at the pool because he enjoys himself. He said it's fun being able to "express yourself" by doing different jumps off the diving board and going down the slide.
Mason Frost was a big fan of the diving board, somersaulting off and coiling into a ball as he fell into the water.
"It's just really fun," Frost said.
Nathan Lapinski was swimming laps and using back strokes to get himself through the water, while others were sitting on the edge kicking their feet up and down. Although the weather has been slightly rainy of late, breaks in the weather opened up a chance for kids to head down to the pool and have some fun.
The following is the pool schedule for the 2010 season: public swim, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday; family swim, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; adult fitness swim, 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Monday through Friday; adult aerobics, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The pool is open Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The first lesson session runs from June 28 to July 9, the second from July 12 to July 23 and the third from July 26 to August 6. For prices and lesson details please call pool at 822-3017.