FARGO - After a test run last fall, the city's newest public pool here is open for its first full season, armed with a 400-gallon water bucket to battle the broiling temperatures.
Located at Davies High School, 7150 25th St. S., the
$2.4 million Davies Recreational Pool includes two large waterslides, both of which descend from a 27-foot platform. It opened for the summer on Saturday.
For 10-year-old Alyssa Timmerman, who was at the opening, the must-see attraction is the climbing wall, which is featured along a side of the pool.
"I love being able to climb all the way to the top, and then just let go," Timmerman said. "Just as long as no one is below me."
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Roger Gress, executive director of the Fargo Park District, said the pool was a direct result of a survey conducted in collaboration with Fargo schools, Fargo parks, Moorhead parks, West Fargo parks and the YMCA. The survey showed a resounding need for pools.
"The No. 1 request was recreational pools and water features," Gress said. "When the kids get out of school, the summer is a main window for us, so it made sense to pursue this."
Gress said attendance on its opening day was nearly 300 people. The Davies pool has been a welcome addition for babysitter Tatiana Hasbargen.
"It keeps them busy and active, which is what I like," Hasbargen said. "I can watch both of them while taking in some sun, so we all win."
As Hasbargen sunbathes on the deck, she might be joined by bikini-clad Heather Grovum and Cassidy St. Germain, who both said their summer goal is to get a tan.
"I might go down the plunging slide once or twice, but I'm here for the sun," Grovum said.
Other patrons can also attempt the zero-depth swim area, which includes a water playground, or head over to concessions for a bite to eat.
The Davies Recreational Pool joins Fargo's four other public pools, all of which opened Saturday: Island Park Pool, Madison Pool and Splash Pad, Northside Recreational Pool and Southwest Recreational Pool.
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Moorhead's wading pools and municipal pool open Wednesday.
Clay Whittlesey, Fargo Park District's director of recreation, said after 22 years on the job, when it comes to a pool's success, people just want more recreational amenities.
"Zero depth, waterslides, spray guns and mushrooms that spray water," Whittlesey said. "We just want to offer the fun amenities to get kids involved and where they can play with their parents."
If you go
What: Davies Recreational Pool
When: General admission every day from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to
8 p.m., except for Wednesday and Saturday. Adult and family swim is
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
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Where: 7150 25th St. S., Fargo
Info: Rates are $2.05 for youth 18 and under, $3.10 for adults, $3.10 for the waterslide and $5.40 for a family during family/adult swim.
