Cunningham Pool, damaged in Joplin Tornado, to reopen

(From the City of Joplin)

As summer approaches, the City of Joplin Parks and Recreation department is getting ready for summer activities at the City pools. This year’s official opening day is Saturday, May 26, 2012. Cunningham Aquatic Center, which was damaged in the May 22 tornado of 2011, will be reopening with several new additions, including three water slides and a play area for younger children. One of the slides was donated by the Fort Scott Parks and Recreation Department, which also donated a slide to the Schifferdecker Aquatic Center.

“In the past, Cunningham Park attracted a lot of younger children. Now, with the water slides and water park, it should attract people of all ages,” said Paul Bloomberg, Recreation and Events Manager for the City.

Cunningham Aquatic Center is located at 24^th and Maiden Lane streets. Additional features of Cunningham pool include a family changing area, a zero depth entry into the main pool area, and an in-pool shaded rest area.

Ewert Aquatic Center has similar features to Cunningham, with slides and areas for small children. Ewert Aquatic Center is located at 5^th and School streets

Both the Ewert and Cunningham Centers have concession stands with a variety of options. The concession stands are designed with two service windows available which provide access for both pool attendees as well as those people enjoying the nearby park.

The bathhouse at either Center offers a family changing area that provides convenience to adults with small children.  A first aid station and public lockers are located within the bathhouse facility.

Swimmers may also enjoy Schifferdecker Pool at 4^th Street and Schifferdecker Avenue. This pool offers a large swimming area as well as a separate diving area. It also has similar bathhouse facilities to the other pools, a first aid station and a concession offering refreshments.     

All pools will be open daily from 1-6 PM.

Ewert & Cunningham Family Aquatic Centers

$2.50 (15 & under)

$3.50 (16 & above)

Ages 2 & under swim free

Schifferdecker Family Aquatic Center

$.75 (15 & under)

$1.00 (16 & above)

Ages 2 & under swim free

Free swimming will be available from 1-3 PM at all three pools on certain days: Cunningham Family Aquatic Center on Mondays, Ewert Family Aquatic Center on Tuesdays, and Schifferdecker Family Aquatic Center on Wednesdays. There will also be Family Swim Nights on Fridays and Saturdays at Schifferdecker Pool from 6-8 PM. Admission for family nights will be regular but a parent must be present.

Season passes are available, which are good at all pool facilities throughout the season. Prices of the Pass are:

Family of 4 $125

Adult Individual $70 (18 & older)

Youth Individual $60 (17 & under)

Senior Individual $60 (60 & older)

Additional Family Member $15

Ages 2 & under are free

In addition to the recent developments at the City’s pools, the City’s aquatic program recently received notification of its Platinum Award for the 2011 swim season. This is the highest lifeguard award given out to Jeff Ellis and Associate Pools.

For more information on City pools, call the Joplin Athletic Complex at 625-4750.