The Greenville Town Pool was able to open just in time to celebrate its 50th anniversary on Saturday, after mechanical problems delayed the opening.
The pool’s official opening day was Friday, but Saturday, June 25, marked the official anniversary of the pool’s opening in 1972. Children painted a “Happy Birthday” banner for the pool, which was hung on the pool deck, and celebrated with a cake in the hour before the opening of the pool doors.
Town Administrator Tara Sousa said the pool went through its usual service prior to opening this summer, but even following the maintenance, the chlorinator wasn’t running.
Until last Monday, Sousa said, she wasn’t sure the pool would be able to open at all.
“They were here last Thursday, Friday and Monday to get it up and running,” Sousa said.
But even with the mechanical problems resolved, Sousa said residents are going to see a shortened schedule, due to a lack of staffing. Lack of lifeguards has been a perpetual problem for local pools and beaches, and that struggle continues, Sousa said. The Greenville Town Pool started the summer season with only three available guards. Since then, she said, they have been able to add two part-time guards to fill out the schedule, but the pool is still only expected to be open five days a week at the start of the season, rather than every day, as is usual.
Based on feedback about pool usage in prior years, there will be no swim times available on Sunday or Monday.
Sousa said she has reached out to some of the guards working at the New Ipswich Town Pool, in hopes of gaining additional part-timers, at which point, the pool may be able to open for a sixth day a week.
“Ideally it would be seven days, but based on the guards’ feedback as to how it’s used, they’re much busier on the weekdays, those are the busiest days. So, it would be Monday we add back, if we can get enough staffing,” Sousa said.
Greenville is still seeking pool attendants. Applications are available on the town website, greenvillenh.org.
The pool is open to Greenville residents and their guests. Residents are required to provide proof of residency to obtain a facility registration card. Nonresidents’ use of the pool is limited to day-pass purchases, when accompanied by a resident, with the exception of New Ipswich residents. New Ipswich residents may purchase a day pas or family season pass without being accompanied by a town resident.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172, Ext. 244, or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.