Centre Region residents seeking relief from the heat of summer have two local options for public swimming pools. Although similar, they both have unique aspects, making either a great choice for summer recreation.
Out on Westerly Parkway, the William L. Welch Community Swimming Pool rests prominently near the roadside, abutting the State College Area High School campus. This large, leisurely pool offers visitors plenty of what’s expected at a public pool, such as areas sectioned off for lap swimmers, a diving board area, waterslides and a play area, just for the kids. The expansive area is dotted with sun blocking umbrellas, protecting the seating areas where swimmers seek refuge from the harmful rays, and to grab a slice a pizza or an ice cream treat.
“People, especially the kids and teenagers, enjoy the waterslides at Welch,” said Centre Region Parks and Recreation Authority Aquatics Supervisor Todd Roth. “It’s one of the features of the pool that make it a popular place.”
A few miles away, tucked in the wooded area of Park Forest lies the Park Forest Community Swimming Pool. With less “hustle and bustle” than at the Westerly Parkway facility, this facility offers what Roth called a “different kind of experience.”
“Both pools are wonderfully maintained and great places to visit,” said Roth. “It just depends what you are looking for. Each pool creates its own, unique experiences .”
For example, he said families with small children tend to lean towards the Park Forest pool because there’s a small “kiddie” pool that is separated from the main pool. The separate pool at Welch is for lap swimmers only.
“I think parents like the idea of having a small pool so they can easily watch their children,” said Roth. “And, it definitely works that way in Park Forest.”
Both pools offer a variety of summer programs including swim lessons and pool-party type events. They each have their own swim teams.
“Although we’re under the same operation, there is a little competition there,” said Roth. “But it’s good, friendly, healthy competition.”
The contrasting styles of the pools have kept people interested in a day when computer and electronic activity dominate many facets of young lives. Public swimming pools have also lost attendance numbers to home pool owners, which number more now than ever.
Last year, more than 130,000 people visited CRPR pools.
“We knew we had to keep ahead of the curve,” Roth said. “We added more interactive features at the pools to make them more attractable to the public.”
A climbing wall was recently added at Welch Pool, and this year, an inflatable obstacle course was purchased for use at both pools.
“We know we have to continue to offer new things for people to do,” said Roth. “Of course, the cool water will always attract people, but we just need to continue to offer something more … something interesting.”
Roth said CRPR will continue to seek ways to enhance the customer experience at both pools.
Both pools are scheduled to open Sunday, according to Roth, and, he said all is on schedule.
“The pools look great,” he said. “We’re getting them cleaned up and filled with water. We’re going to be all ready to go.”
Season, as well as daily passes, are available and can be used at both locations. For more information, visit www.crpr.org.
