The long awaited return of a swimming pool to Fannin County is a step closer with Eddie O’Neal’s prediction the new facility on Gray Street might open earlier than expected.
O’Neal spoke to the Fannin County Board of Commissioners Tuesday, February 13, asking commissioners to adopt recommended fees to use the pool, as well as new fees for the recreation center.
O’Neal said the work at the pool should be 70% complete by the end of last week, establishing the hope the facility will open May 27. “We’re getting closer,” he said.
Commissioners approved the following fees for using the pool:
•Daily pass: $5 for everyone, kids under 5 are free;
•Individual season pass: $65;
•Family season pass/resident: $125 up to five members and $25 for each additional member; and,
•Family season pass/non-resident: $200 up to five members and $35 for each additional family member.
The pool will be available for party rentals to Fannin County residents only for $100 an hour with a two-hour maximum plus $25 per hour per lifeguard. The number of lifeguards is determined by the number of people attending the party.
The pool project is being funded by a combination of Tourism Product Development funds generated by the Hotel/Motel Tax and revenue from the Special Local Option Sales Tax.
Commissioners also agreed to a recommendation by O’Neal to increase gym usage fees at the recreation center for non-residents.
The new fees are:
•Daily fee: from $5 to $10;
•One month pass: from $25 to $50;
•Three month pass: from $75 to $100;
•Six month pass: from $125 to $250; and,
•Yearly pass: from $250 to $500.
O’Neal said the indoor walking track is still excluded from any fees and Polk County, Tennessee, residents will also remain exempt from any gym use fees.
O’Neal said the main reason for the increase was the need to refinish the gym floors “almost every year” due to increased usage.