The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

PRESCOTT-Prescott Pool Manager Kyra Hartley is a highly experienced lifeguard and swimming instructor and she recently stepped into the role of Pool Manager at the Prescott Pool.

A double major in business administration and psychology at the University of Puget Sound, she may need skills in both areas to manage the changeable situation for outdoor recreation this summer.

Hartley took steps this spring to get her lifeguards Red Cross re-certified by working with Walla Walla YMCA's Director of Aquatics and Safety Training Erika Miller. Hartley counts Miller as a former supervisor, swim coach, and friend, and the two made plans to get this summer's lifeguard staff in the YMCA pool during its shut-down to get their credentials up to date.

One-third of Hartley's staff are returning employees and the others all have previous guarding experience.

With a total capacity listed at 150 people, the pool is permitted by Phase 3 guidelines to operate at 50 percent capacity or 75 people, but Hartley noted, "We decided to play it safe and keep it at 50 people."

Swimmers with a seasonal pool pass will be admitted entrance on a first-come, first-served basis, followed by those using day passes. Additionally, Hartley intends to thank the Prescott community for their ongoing support by holding a 'Prescott Day' each week, where the pool will be open only to those who reside in the Prescott area.

An announcement of season pass, daily pass prices, along with hours, guidelines, and information about which day of the week will be 'Prescott Day' will be posted on the pool Facebook page once they have the all-clear to open.

Along with pandemic planning, a new coat of paint for the entire pool must be completed before the pool opens. Recent rainy days have interrupted the painting project, but Hartley encouragingly said, "We're getting really close!"

Longtime readers will know about Prescott's Joint Parks and Recreation Board who have been guiding the operation and maintenance of the pool since 1981 when the Prescott School District could no longer manage to finance the pool.

Originally built in 1958, the pool is primarily supported by funding voted for through an annual Maintenance and Operations levy. These yearly ballot measures require a supermajority of 60 percent 'yes' votes- last year's levy passed with 68.25 percent, providing $123,000 in funding.

The Parks and Rec Board also seek and receive grants, including the Sherwood Trust's $50,000 show of support in 2019, and a previous $45,000, awarded by the Trust in 2016. Northwest Grain Growers provides free swim lesson to anyone living in the 99348 zip code.