One of the biggest beneficiaries of the recent heat has been a favorite cool-down amenity in Waveny Park.
Visitor numbers have skyrocketed at the Steve Benko Pool, though “it was pretty cold at the beginning of the season, so we didn’t have as many people coming out,” Recreation Department Recreation Supervisor/Aquatic Manager Steven Dayton said on a recent 90-degree morning.
“As it’s gotten hotter, many more people have started to come regularly,” he said.
The pool has seen roughly 27,000 people so far this summer, on pace to match last year’s 40,000, according to Dayton.
In all, 1,117 resident memberships have been purchased for the pool, similar to last year’s number, Dayton said. Non-resident memberships (at higher rates) continue to be limited at 125.
“We’ve had several really hot days recently where the pool has been busy,” Dayton said. “It’s nice to see members coming out and using the pool to try and stay cool.”
The pool was updated in preparation for the summer by adding a new pump.
“If we ever lost our main pump that controls the pool’s mechanics, it would be extremely difficult to replace and reinstall,” Dayton said. “We were able to purchase an extra pump a year and a half ago, and decided to install it as a backup pump in case our other one goes.”
He continued: “Our main pump is 15 years old, and we don’t know how much longer it’s going to work. Now we can switch right over to the new pump with minimal downtime.”
Membership for the Steve Benko Pool can be purchased here. The pool is open 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.