The Fairgrounds Aquatic Center concluded its first season on Sunday and city officials say it met or exceeded expectations.
Through Thursday, Aug. 5 13,792 people had made use of the pool for …
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![Water from a splash bucket cascades over guests at the Fairgrounds Aquatic Center in Mexico last week, obscuring them momentarily from view. Some 14,000 people visited the facility in its first season, which ended on Sunday. [Dave Faries]](https://epsilon.creativecirclecdn.com/mexicoledger/original/20210826-172526-Pool%202.JPG)
The Fairgrounds Aquatic Center concluded its first season on Sunday and city officials say it met or exceeded expectations.
Through Thursday, Aug. 5 13,792 people had made use of the pool for leisure or organized activities. That amounts to $106,000 in income.
A large crowd descended on the facility on Friday and the weather cooperated, for the most part, over the weekend, so those numbers will improve.
"It was a good opening season," said Mexico Parks and Recreation Department director Seth Cooke, who took the position in July. "I'm excited to experience a full season."
The numbers may have been stronger if not for a period of poor weather in midsummer. For one two week span, the facility could only open for three days.
The department received some criticism for the early August closing date. But Cooke explains that the 17 lifeguards and five cashiers necessary to operate the pool would be facing other obligations -- some off to college, others suiting up for high school sports.
Practice for all sports began on Monday.
"Extending the season is something we could look into, as long as we can get the staff," Cooke said.
The $3.6 million center opened on Memorial Day weekend, on schedule after almost a year of planning and construction. The loan to fund construction will be repaid through use tax collections. Money collected from pool fees go toward operation of the facility.
Meanwhile, the pool has one last splash today, although the event is for dogs and their owners. Doggie Dive takes place this evening, starting at 5:30 p.m. for small dogs, 6:45 for larger animals.
