DARLINGTON -- This summer Darlington residents have something that they were without last year -- a community pool.
Last year it was closed because DHEC wouldn't certify it. This year, recreation officials are close to reopening it.
"It gives the young people of the community a place to go. It also gives the adults something," Jay Cox, Darlington police chief, said.
For the past 10 years, the Darlington Police Department has managed the pool.
“We felt like it was going be a good opportunity for us to interact with the community, soften our image a little bit," Cox said.
Last summer however, they weren't there -- neither were any residents.
“With the age and everything it just got to the point where DHEC won't certify for it to be open so we just shut it down," Cox said.
Since then, Darlington City Council approved a hospitality tax and money from that has gone to repairs.
"They could of left it here and eventually we would have had to taken it down, but luckily they had a vision," Cox said.
Once the paving and plastering are done, the pool will once again will be filled with life – and water.
"I expect we'll have anywhere from 75-100 a day constantly in the pool during June and July," Cox said.
Repairs for the nearly 40-year-old-pool have cost the city more than $100,000.
Officials said they want to open the pool June 22, if the weather cooperates. If not it will be opened shortly after that date.
Swimming lessons will be available and a day pass at the pool will be $1 for residents.
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