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Kiwanis outdoor pool to stay open this summer.
May 5, 2008Portland’s City Council threw a life preserver Friday to users of the Kiwanis outside pool. Earlier this spring, the city had said the pool would not open this summer, because of cuts in the 2008-9 budget.
But Friday the council’s finance committee unanimously restored funds to several programs including the pool.
The Greater Portland Swimmers and many triathletes who like taking it outside during the summer will be pleased. While it’s not as long as Crystal Lake, it’s closer and especially nice to have around when there’s not enough time to zip out to Dry Mills. The pool is also a favorite of in-town Portland families and kids, as well.
More info about the facility:
Summer in Maine comes late and leaves early, so Portland swimmers take full advantage of the rare warm weather by going to the outdoor municipal Kiwanis Pool, run by Portland's parks and recreation department.
The pool opens each year in the third week of June and closes the final week of August. The L-shaped pool is 25 meters long, with six lanes in its main section; at the junction is a 10-foot-deep diving area. Swimming lessons are held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, and there are open swims daily.
The pool is somewhat of a bare-bones facility: changing rooms have toilets but no showers. The deck surrounding the pool is ample, and you are welcome to bring chairs and plastic water bottles; but there are no concession stands, and food and soda aren't allowed on the premises. The pool is also available for rentals and camping groups.
For directions to the pool, go here.
