The community is celebrating the opening of the Jeffersonville pool.
The pool opened Friday, June 16 after its scheduled opening May 26 was delayed because of a leak in the seam of the stainless steel gutter system.
Rob Kinzer is a member of the Fayette County Parks and Recreation District and helps out at the Jeffersonville Community Pool. He said over 800 people came to visit the pool over the weekend, including more than 350 during Friday’s official opening.
Those who live in Jeffersonville say the pool is one of the only things for youth to do in the community. The pool sees visitors from Fayette and surrounding counties throughout the summer season and as the only community pool in Fayette County, residents speak of it as a lifeline.
Penny Gilpen, a certified nursing assistant, was picking up her three sons from the pool Tuesday afternoon. Gilpen’s youngest son, 10-year-old Carson, and his two brothers spend their summer days at the Jeffersonville Community Pool. Gilpen said the family buys a pool pass each year.
“It’s the cheapest family activity you can do right here,” said Gilpen. “You can pack a lunch. The concession foods are good. The pool staff is great. They keep me informed of everything that goes on and answer any questions that I have. We love it.”
Gilpen said the community pool is one of the reasons she and her family moved to Jeffersonville.
“When they shut down the pool in Washington Court House we made the decision to move to Jeffersonville because we wanted something positive for our teenagers and the kids. It’s one of the best decisions we have ever made,” said Gilpen.
Gilpen said the staff regularly communicates updates and information about the pool and its activities through its online Facebook page (search on Facebook for the “Jeffersonville Swimming Pool” group).
The pool hosts several big community parties throughout the year, according to Kinzer, who said this year the pool will be open for fireworks during the community’s Fourth of July block party.
“Once the party starts we open the gates and let everyone come into the pool for free. The Jeffersonville Methodist Church and the Masonic Lodge bring the food,” said Kinzer.
Gilpen said the pool is one way the local community members take care of one another.
“That’s what I love about this town. Have you ever heard it takes a village to raise a kid? That’s what we have here,” said Gilpen.