As the temperature rises and every day is marked by triple digit degrees, summer has declared its unofficial arrival and pools across Arizona are opening their doors to provide relief from the extreme heat.
The Silver Wings Pool on Luke Air Force Base has reopened after a year-long closure due to lack of funds. Only a few options were available for what to do with the pool. The options were demolition, dry storing or reopening. The 56th Civil Engineer Squadron and 56th Contracting Squadron put together a package estimating the cost to save the pool at $169,000. It was determined the quality of life for Luke Thunderbolts would benefit from the pool reopening.
"Being able to provide a pool and activities for the base populace was more important," said Col. Nathan Mooney II, 56th Mission Support Group commander. "We weighed all the options and the determination was made to open it for the swimming season for Airmen and their families."
The pool was renovated by the 56th CES and the 56th CONS. Refurbishing to the bath house, pool slide, decking, surface and equipment has made the pool area sparkle like new, and provides a fun, safe, and clean place for Luke Airmen and their families to cool down this summer.
"Saving the pool was key to providing Luke Airmen an affordable place to swim and cool off during the hot summer months," said Kevin Haponek, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron project manager. "Not only is the pool open to all Luke Airmen and their families for open swim, it also allows another exercise alternative for our Airmen to stay in fighting shape. Finishing this project on budget and ahead of schedule is a perfect demonstration of teamwork between the 56th CES, 56th CONS and Marsh Development."
With lifeguards on standby at the pool, and classes available through the Outdoor Recreation Center, the Silver Wings Pool has much to offer pool-goers. Scuba diving classes will be held in July and August, swim classes are available June 16 through 27, and July 7 through 18, and Glow Nights are held every Saturday.
Daily open swim costs $2 per person, single season passes cost $25 and season passes are available to four-person groups for $60.The Beat the Heat event scheduled for Independence Day is free of charge. For those who like swimming for exercise or enjoy watching competitions, the Fall Triathlon is scheduled to be held Aug. 30.
Pool hours of operation are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
For more information, visit http://www.lukeevents.com/sections/outdoor%20rec/PDF/Pool-Brochure_2014.pdf.