Kimberly Park Pool officially opened for the summer season on Memorial Day, May 27, welcoming residents with a variety of swimming activities and lessons.
The grand opening marked the beginning of a season filled with fun and fitness for the community.
“It’s a great place for kids and families to come out and cool off,” says Nick Heath, Parks and Recreation Director. “It’s something for them to do during the summer.”
“I think it’s a good thing for the people of West Liberty to have,” he adds. “It will always be a great amenity.”
This marks the 94th year for Kimberly Park Pool, a beloved local spot. The pool offers daily swim, lap swim, and swim lessons.
Daily admission is priced at $2 for children aged 4-11 and $2.50 for those aged 12 and above. Open swim occurs every day of the week from 1-7 p.m.
“We want to make sure it’s affordable for everybody,” says Director Heath. “We know it’s not a moneymaker; it never will be. It’s here for the people.”
“We have kids living in a world where everything is expensive, so this is a resource that’s cheap, and we’re able to do that still,” he adds.
The pool actually offers free swim from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meanwhile, Water Aerobics classes will begin on June 3.
Tube nights occur every Wednesday from 5-7 p.m., lap swim is available from 7-7:45 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and $1 Swim nights are from 5-7 p.m. every Sunday and Friday.
The pool season runs from May 27 to Aug. 18, with adjusted hours starting at 4 p.m. when school is in session.
Swim lessons are Red Cross certified, ensuring a structured and safe learning environment.
All swimmers will be tested for skills at the first class. The Learn to Swim program is segmented by age and skill level, including:
Parent Tot Swim: Ages 6 months to 3 years (adult required in the water)
Preschool Learn to Swim: Ages 4-5
Learn to Swim Level 1: Ages 6 and older
Learn to Swim Levels 2-6: Progressively advanced levels for older children
Pricing for swim lessons is set at $36.00 for two weeks (8 sessions) and $18.00 for one week (4 sessions), making it accessible for many families.
A recent storm that knocked out power to all of West Liberty, downing tree branches and power lines on Tuesday, May 21, did make opening day dicey.
“It flooded the entire pool,” says Director Heath. “Debris blocked all of our drains, so we had extra cleanup.”
“I wasn’t sure if we’d open on Memorial Day, but my staff along with Kelly Morrison chipped in, and we got it all cleaned up and ready to go,” he said.
As mentioned before, Kimberly Park Pool is entering its 94th season, originally opened thanks to the effort of Mary Kimberly.
The pool was dedicated on June 24, during which Robert Brooke accepted a plaque from the Kimberly family on behalf of West Liberty.
Unfortunately, Mary had died earlier in the spring at age 81.
The pool had fountains and gargoyles, from which water flowed. A small wading pool was separated from the larger area with a cement wall.
It was one of the earliest pools in the area. People came to swim from far and wide, including many from Iowa City who traveled by rail.
However, age is catching up to Kimberly Pool. Decisions about its future will need to be made in the years to come.
That decision-making has begun with the completion of a pool feasibility study, which was presented to the city council during a work session last month.
“They have given us two concepts for a new pool,” says Director Heath of the study. “I still need to have a discussion with the council to see what they liked and what they’re thinking.”
“It’s in the very early stages,” adds Heath. “Any changes are still years down the road.” For now, the pool is open, so come and enjoy!