When one of Gainesville’s public pools opens for the season on Friday, a new feature will make a splash: a climbing wall.
The city added a 16-foot “Kersplash” climbing wall to the Andrew R. Mickle Sr., Pool.
Gainesville Recreation Manager Shannon Keleher said the wall is one of two in the state.
“The real story behind Mickle Pool, and behind the wall in general, is that we’re trying to generate more interest and more walk-in traffic for the pool,” she said.
Keleher said the city decided to add the wall to Mickle Pool because admission prices were the lowest of the city pools, and it would be the easiest place to generate revenue.
“It’s a new attraction — something that people haven’t seen before, which draws interest in the community to come to the pool,” said Eden McGuire, an 18-year-old Santa Fe College health sciences sophomore.
McGuire, who has worked as a lifeguard for two years, said the climbing wall should attract more swimmers this summer.
Although the addition of the wall also means more pool rules for children, Keleher said it shouldn’t restrict the good times.
“Having the rules will let the kids still have fun, but ensure their safety,” she said.
The Mickle Pool is located at T.B. McPherson Recreation Center on 1717 SE 15th St. Admission is $2.45 for adults and $1.35 for youth.
