Jul 16, 2007 By The 2 min read

WAYNESBURG – Swimmers are likely holding their breath for the opening of a $3.3 million aquatic center in Greene County. A grand opening ceremony for the Foundation Coal Aquatic Center will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, followed by the inaugural dip by the public at 11 a.m.

The center is located at the old Central Greene Pool on Route 21 and Park Avenue next to the Lions Club Park and across from the Greene County Fairgrounds in Waynesburg.

The center will feature a lazy river, competition pool with two diving boards, children’s area with palm trees, rain forest, raindrop features and a water section where the children can turn valves and interact in the water.

The center also will feature a 20-foot high water slide that extends 135 feet, and an enclosed water slide that is 30 feet long.

The price to swim all day is $4 for children and $6 for adults.

Pam Snyder, chairwoman of the Greene County commissioners, said the aquatic center is much more than a swimming pool.

“Its contribution to the quality of life in Greene County is invaluable in our efforts to attract visitors throughout the county and surrounding areas, while helping to build on the progress we’ve made in the region’s economic revival,” she said.

Most pool areas will include no steps and will be accessible to people with disabilities.

Visitors can enter the aquatic center through a zero-depth entry pool where they will pass through a wall of water or they can take an alternate entrance into the center if they choose not to get wet.

Lifeguards will be on duty at all times.

The center will feature a family changing room, a concession stand, a game room and a birthday party/meeting room.

For more information about the new aquatic center, call the Greene County Department of Recreation at 724-852-5323.