Gainesville residents found a welcome respite from the scorching sun Saturday at the grand opening of the newly renovated Dwight H. Hunter (Northeast) Municipal Pool.
While the pool had technically been reopened for more than a month, city officials celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and family-oriented attractions, including a free swim, a giant inflatable alligator-shaped trampoline, a moonwalk and a synchronized swimming show. The pool closed for the project in November 2006.
In brief remarks before the ribbon cutting, City Commissioner Scherwin Henry said when he was growing up in Gainesville, the 35-year-old pool was a centerpiece of the community. Henry said the pool used to offer "date nights," which he frequented with his childhood girlfriend, who is now his wife.
On Saturday, visitors enjoyed almost $1 million in renovations to the Olympic-sized pool, located at 1100 NE 14th St., including a new vinyl liner, shade tents, lounge chairs and a refurbished water slide.
Suni Brito, mother of two, said she values the healthy, outdoor experience the pool offers.
"The kids can play, and I can rest," Brito said. "It's an updated, modern pool with all the amenities."
