After two summers without it, the Grottoes community pool will reopen on Saturday with a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m.
“The foundation is very excited, and the town is buzzing with excitement,” said Nadina Pupic, the treasurer of the Grottoes Pool Preservation Foundation.
Grottoes Town Council voted to close the pool, located at Grand Caverns, in 2023, citing issues with funding, ongoing leaks and staffing shortfalls. The pool had been in operation for more than five decades, and the town took ownership of the pool 15 years ago.
Town Council members said at the time that they had not set a deadline for demolition and would consider a new pool in the future.
The news that the pool was closing was a shock for the whole community, and residents stepped up quickly to raise money to help pay for the repairs.
Since filing as a non-profit last year, the foundation has raised approximately $90,000. So far, they have spent $30,000 to repair the pool leak and will present a $30,000 check tomorrow to the town to help cover the cost of new concrete pool decking. The group has also spent $10,000 on pool furniture.
“The foundation will meet in June to discuss how we will spend the remaining funds, but we have our eyes set on a new fence and want to significantly contribute to a brand new pool house in the off season,” Pupic told AFP.
For now, the group plans to take a break from raising funds and spend some quality time with their families soaking up the sun and playing in the water.
“We are looking forward to spending our summer at the pool and will resume fundraising events in the fall,” she said.
The pool season will have a chilly start: high temperatures this weekend are expected to be in the mid-60s to lower 70s with lows in the mid-40s. Pool hours will be noon to 6 p.m. daily.
Currently, a fundraiser is taking place to win a set of custom Adirondack chairs. Raffle tickets are available at ACE Hardware in Grottoes through July 5.
“We hope folks come out and enjoy the fruits of our collective labor this summer at Grottoes community pool.”
Recreational swimming tips
As pools open this weekend, the Central Shenandoah Health District is reminding community members to use safe practices when swimming.
- Do not swim alone
- Closely supervise young children
- Young or inexperienced swimmers should wear U.S. Coast Guard–approved lifejackets
- Do not swallow water. Water can contain traces of human and animal feces that can make you sick.
Related stories
- A community rallies: Grottoes swimming pool slated to reopen Memorial Day weekend
- Augusta County: Group raises funds for Grottoes pool repairs, ready to get work under way
- Grottoes pool still closed, but foundation stepping up to try to get doors open
- Town of Grottoes votes to close Grand Caverns pool, citing leaks, staffing issues
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Crystal Graham
