SPRUCE PINE — The pool at Brad Ragan Park is set to open again through Labor Day after being closed in 2020 due to the pandemic and having its 2021 opening delayed due to equipment issues.
Spruce Pine Parks and Recreation Director Michael Wood talked about the reopening Monday, Aug. 9 during the regular meeting of the Spruce Pine Town Council.
“We finally got it open,” he said.
Wood showed the council photos of the pool from June and July, when the water was emerald green. After extensive treatments and cleaning, the water is back to clear blue and suitable for swimming.
The pool opening was delayed as Wood and his staff waited on the delivery and installation of a new pump, one of the main causes for the discolored water.
“The pump is like your heart,” Wood said. “If your heart quits pumping, your body dies. My pool pump quit pumping, so my water died.”
Wood said his staff has been up to the task in handling the quick reopening.
“Those young men and women work hard,” Wood said. “We could not have had such a successful weekend if it were not for those men and women.”
The pool will be open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 7 p.m. through Labor Day weekend—a schedule Wood said is necessary because much of his staff will return to school this month.
Because the pool hours are limited, there will be no reservations or private events but as a “gesture for everyone being patient,” Wood said pool admission will be reduced to $2 per person.