Rusk City Pool set to open June 2
Splash Day slated for June 8 BY LELAND ACKER

Rusk Public Works technician Kelly Kelton fills the Rusk City Pool with water. The pool opens June 2, with Splash Day being held June 8.

The Rusk swimming pool will open June 2, with Splash Day being held June 8.

"Splash Day is the big opening day for the pool," said Marks Lanham, pool operator. "We have games, hot dogs, tournaments and swimming."

Mr. Lanham said the physical part of the pool has been improved this year. He said the zero-tolerance policy has had good feedback from parents.

"They feel they can swim without horse play or a lot of bad language being used," he said.

Rusk City Manager Mike Murray said special recognition should go to Kelly Kelton.

"Kelly has done a lot of the work," Mr. Murray said. "The Public Works Department has done a fine job on the pool. Special recognition should go to Kelly for his extreme hard work and dedication in getting the pool in shape. It's in better shape now than it has ever been."

Among the improvements, which have been aided by work squads from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, include the painting of the bottom of the pool, the building of life-guard chairs and general grounds maintenance.

"The shower rooms are our next project," Mr. Murray said.

Splash Day will feature food, fun and games and will be held June 8, with KWRW 97.7 FM broadcasting live from 11 a.m. to noon.

Regular pool hours will be from 12:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

The pool will be open from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Admission fee is $2 per person.

The pool can be booked for private parties any time outside of the pool's regular hours. Interested parties can call (903) 683-2715 or (903) 683-3434 for information.

Swimming lessons are also planned for June at the city pool. Interested persons may call (903) 683-2715 or (903) 683-3434 for times and dates.

The City of Rusk officially took over operations of the pool during May 2006. Previously the pool had been operated by the Rusk Lions Club.