'We've had a long wait to get it' Oakland pool officially opens for weekend

TOPEKA (KSNT) - The new Oakland swimming pool cut its ribbon and officially opened to the public Saturday, August 24.

The pool took four years to come to life. It has has a diving board, water slide, and a lazy river. Director of Shawnee County Parks and Rec, Tim Laurent, tells 27 News he's greatful for the residents of Oakland and their help bringing this project to the finish line.

"When we started to engage with the community about what they want to see, we just got a tremendous response," Laurent said. "They came to every public outreach meeting, they filled out our surveys, and really that's who we have to thank for this I think, the people that live here in Oakland."

Oakland resident, Debbie Mummer, tells 27 News what she's most excited for with the new pool.

"This is very exciting for the community," Mummer said. "It's great for the children and the adults. I think it's a great addition to Oakland and we've had a long wait to get it." 

The pool will only be open for this weekend only (Aug. 24-25) and will close Sunday evening at 7 p.m. for the remainder of the year. The first 300 guests to visit the pool tomorrow, August 25, will get in for free courtesy of Dondlinger Construction.