As summer nears, public has few swimming options in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The summer season is here, and as the heat cranks up, parents are looking for ways to cool off their kids.

There are community pools in Augusta with limited hours and days.

The locks on Fleming Park’s pool unlock in June, but only for a couple of hours and for certain days. The same goes for Jones Pool.

The pool at Dyess Park is not even in use.

“When I see this pool, it’s a lot of standing water in there, it’s all dirty. That’s a hazard right there. Mosquitoes are breeding up in there and a lot of bugs around the area,” said Kelvin Antley, who lives a couple of blocks from Dyess Park.

The pool is a sore sight for many.

Brenda Houston grew up coming to Dyess Park. She says she brings her grandkids to the park.

“I think we should have someone to care for our pool. Our family shouldn’t have to do it all. We need some help,” said Houston.

Back in November, we showed you future plans for Dyess Park. Its multi-million dollar project is funded through SPLOST funds that would involve the removal of the pool.

City leaders say construction should begin before the end of the year.

“If you think of other cities, the size of Augusta, even cities that are growing, you know, folks are utilizing splash pads more than they have been utilizing public pools. That’s why we have set aside money for a waterpark because we’re trying to expand the actual potential that we can provide,” said District 1 Commissioner Jordan Johnson.

Fleming Park’s pool will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. and Jones Pool will be open from Tuesday through Friday from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.

The Augusta Aquatics Center has an indoor pool open year-round from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m.

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