PRESCOTT - Those in search of a way to cool off are bound to find it in Prescott's very own oasis. The Prescott swimming pool will open for the 2013 season on Monday, June 17th.

A great source of pride for the community, the pool was established in 1958 by the school district. During that time, the school offered swimming lessons as a part of its physical education program, and opened it up to the public for the summers. When there were legislative changes to state funding formulas for school districts in 1980, the Prescott School District's Board of Directors could no longer finance the pool.

Fortunately, members of the community came up with a plan to keep the pool operating. In May of 1981, voters approved the forma- tion of the Prescott Joint Park and Recreation District, a junior taxing district. The new organization was able to open the pool for the 1981 summer season.

The pool was remod- eled in 1994 and relies on an annual levy to continue operations. Patsy Adams, Chair of the PJPRD Board of Commissioners, notes that a super majority of 60% YES votes is needed in the General Election each November. Only once in its his- tory has the public voted not to continue funding the pool. Adams encourages people to help keep this special com- munity feature going.

Adams, who was raised on a small farm near Prescott at a time when there was no swimming pool, feels strongly about the impor- tance of children having access to a pool when they are young. She says she was unable to learn how to swim as a child, and wants to make sure that children today have a safe facility in which to learn and enjoy the summer.

Lifeguards for this season have been selected, trained, and Red Cross certified in water safety. There will always be at least two certi- fied lifeguards on duty. In addition, a new self-operated lift will be ready for use at the pool's opening. The lift is designed as a means of entrance and exit for patrons who find pool access dif- ficult due to physical restric- tions.

"We want to get the word out about swimming opportunities at our beautiful pool," says Adams, "and the swim lessons we offer, plus special activities we are having this summer" at the physical plant and neighbor- ing Field View Park.

The Prescott Public Pool is located on Highway 124 at B Street, and will be open for public swim daily; Monday through Thursday - 2 - 7 p.m. and Friday through Sunday-12 noon - 7 p.m..

Patrons can choose be- tween one-day and season passes.

For more information about rates and upcoming fun activities, contact the Activity Center/Office at 509-849-2314 or visit the PJPRD website at www.pjprd.org.