SHAMOKIN - Saturday morning marked a slow start to the 2015 season at the city's public swimming pool, and that suited city technician Larry Strausser just fine.
It allows time to work out the kinks before business picks up once school's out for summer.
When temperatures are high and the air is muggy, somewhere between 400 and 500 customers show up to cool off at the 400,000 gallon pool on Rock Street, formally known as the Lawton W. Shroyer Memorial Swimming Pool. Between 200 and
300 come when the weather isn't quite as hot.
"Obviously, if it's hot, they come. If it's not, they don't. It's a pretty simple formula," Strausser said with a laugh.
Hamburgers sizzled on a griddle as the noon hour approached Saturday. The window from the concession stand was opened, and pop music played from the radio. Five lifeguards hung whistles around their necks and positioned themselves about the pool.
A dozen people showed up within minutes of the noon opening. They were regulars. A pair of moms bought season passes for themselves and their children. Yana Swilp, of Shamokin, said she will come daily; it's nice and quiet.
Weston French, 14, of Coal Township, was enthusiastic about the pool's opening. He and Patrick Gibson, 15, of Shamokin, were hanging about the clubhouse. They're regulars, too.
"I like the pool because it's quiet and real peaceful," French said. Moments later he called out to Strausser, "How's the water, Larry?"
The water was cold Saturday - about 70 degrees. It'll warm up as the sun beats down daily. About 78 degrees is ideal, Strausser said.
There were no significant upgrades this year, but general maintenance kept Strausser and city employees busy ahead of opening day. The shell was painted and patched, new signs were installed. A chair lift is on order. The wading pool is temporarily closed and will open after it's also painted.
The wading pool is in line for renovations, perhaps as soon as next year. Strausser said it will be enlarged and converted into a zero depth entry so people can walk in rather than drop down. Features like water buckets and squirt guns may be added, too. About $100,000 in state grant funding will be needed, Strausser said. A splash pad would be a great addition, Strausser said, but at three times the cost, it isn't affordable.
The swimming pool is by no means a moneymaker. Strausser estimates its revenues fall short between $10,000 and $15,000 annually. The recreation tax makes up the difference. The pool has been targeted by some in the community as a candidate for closure since Shamokin's finances are troubled. Strausser doesn't agree with that idea.
Mount Carmel's pool is closed. Trevorton's too. The value of Shamokin's pool can't be measured in revenue; rather, it should be viewed as one of few recreational options in a town in need of more.
"What else do these kids have?" he asked.
Hours today are noon to 6 p.m. This week it will open 3 to 7 p.m. as the school year winds to a close before again reverting back to noon to 6 p.m. Saturday for the remainder of the summer. New this year is half-price admission after 3 p.m.
Daily admission is $6 for adults, $4 for students and senior citizens, $3 for kids 2 to 4 years old and free for children younger than that. Family and individual passes are available, and the pool is available to rent for parties. For more information, call 570-644-4789.