HUNTINGTON, WV (WOWK)– As pools across the region open this weekend, the opening of the pool at the A.D. Lewis Center is particularly special.
Over the past 12 years, the pool has only opened on time once in 2017, but today, it opened on time with new improvements.
The A.D. Lewis Center, in partnership with Huntington Public Works, has also made some upgrades to the pool, including repainting, power washing, and redoing the bathrooms and pump system. The director of the A.D Lewis Center says it’s the first time that the city has helped with the preparations for the pool.
Teresa Johnson, the Huntington City Councilwoman who covers the Fairfield community, says that having the pool open and ready on time shows the kids in the community that they matter.
“I think really it is to show the to children that they’re first. Even though it wasn’t supposed to be ready, they say, at this time to know that we put them first means everything,” said Johnson. “And sometimes when you deal with everyday lives, it seems like children think that their last to know. But to do this first and to be the first to do it and to put them first, I think means a lot.”
Mayor Patrick Farrell says he agrees that it’s important to make sure the kids have a fun, safe place to go this summer.
“They’re smiles are why we do this. Putting them first and making sure they have a safe place so they can come and have a fun summer,” said Mayor Farrell. “The kids deserve it, right? They matter. And so this shows them that they do matter and that they have a place that they can have fun and a safe, welcoming place.”
The pool is the only community pool in Huntington, and Mayor Farrell says it’s especially important to the community
“It’s always been a historic part of Huntington. It’s especially important to the Fairfield community,” said Mayor Farrell. “In opening this before Memorial Day, to me, says that Fairfield matters. These kids matter.”
The pool will be open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
