New Pool Makes A Big Splash in Laurens

This story originally appeared in the June 4th edition of The Record-Democrat as “New pool soft open makes a big splash in Laurens.” Written by Erin Sommers. Edited slightly to better reflect being posted online. Special thanks to the RD for letting us share this story on our blog!

The long-awaited new Laurens pool, heaters turned on and water warming up, opened up for swimmers for two evenings, welcoming new swim team members, families purchasing their pool passes and kids testing their rusty swimming skills.

“What a rush it was,” Pool Manager Kelly Tate said. “I was so busy that I didn’t really get the chance to take it all in.  But I loved seeing the kids.”

Tate noticed something special that night. “The best part was seeing the pool committee members show up,” she said. “There were people who were there with us for a short time and the people that have been there since the beginning.” No longer do people on the committee or Laurens residents have to use the phrase “when we get the new pool,” Tate said. “We did it,” she said. “I’m so proud of the community for making this a reality!”

Glenda Mulder served on that committee. She stopped by the pool to grab some photos and watch kids in action. “It literally brought tears to my eyes to finally see our local kids swimming in our new pool, even though it was about 60 degrees outside,” Mulder said. “Some stayed in for only a few minutes, but a few looked like they were ready to be there for the summer! Walking around, seeing adults as well as children enjoying the new Aquatic Center was worth all those years of fundraising.”

Mulder thanked the people who donated and helped to raise the $2.5 million in donations and grants that helped to build the aquatic center.

Laurens City Clerk/Manager Hilary Reed didn’t take kids swimming last week — she and her son were at a baseball game. That reminded her of a conversation she had with a friend and fellow city employee, before the pool fundraising had wrapped up — why not build the pool at the park by the ball fields.

“Could you imagine a pool full of kids, while ball fields are being utilized,” Reed said. “Siblings could be ‘entertained’ at the pool, maybe ball players would become swimmers too, maybe swimmers would become ball players as well, the concession stand ability to provide to both, the complex would have life again. Why not down here?  So, seeing the excitement on Wednesday with the pool open, even though it was chilly, with the added bonus — during a ball game — it just made my heart, literally, so happy!”

Years of work came to fruition this year, she said. “After all the blood, sweat, and tears, for all the years, that the committee, the community, near and far, council/mayor, and staff have put into the Laurens Aquatic Center’s dream, and the reality that we are finally here is something we should all be so proud of and excited for,” Reed said. “This is just the beginning, and we can’t thank everyone who’s helped make this dream come true enough! Bring on the best summer ever!”

The city held a Grand Opening for the pool on July 11, during the Summer Celebration, and the District Swim Competition on July 19.