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Despite delays for repairs, McKinley Pool is ready to its opening today.
Frank Lewis
PDT Staff Writer
The McKinley Pool on Findlay Street in Portsmouth officially opens at 11 a.m. today, after a delay because of necessary repairs. The pool had been scheduled to open on May 27, Memorial Day, but mechanical problems again forced a delay in the opening of that facility.
“The old circulating pump went out on us, and we had to tear it out and send it up to Huntington to be totally rebuilt,” Portsmouth City Service Director Bill Beaumont said. “That was our biggest problem. And then we had a leak in the chlorine system and had to get it fixed. But other than that, we’re ready to go now.”
The pool carries the name of 14-year-old Eugene McKinley, who drowned on June 9, 1961 in the Scioto River, which was one of the few places blacks could swim. Dreamland Community Pool on Kendall Avenue in Portsmouth, was segregated, forcing blacks to look for alternative places to swim. Dreamland was closed several years ago, and the McKinley Pool is now the only public pool in the city.
Beaumont said the hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The pool is closed on Sunday. He said the price of admission is $1 for up to 10-years-old, and $2 for anyone over 10.
Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 252, or at flewis@civitasmedia.com. For breaking news, follow Frank on Twitter @FrankLewisPDT
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