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The long-awaited pool at the William J. Griggs Recreation Center is set to make its triumphant return with a ribbon cutting set for Thursday morning at 10 a.m.

In conjunction with the opening of the new Don Weatherington Aquatics Center, Troup County Parks and Recreation is set to roll out another major community request, swim lessons.

Morning swim lessons for kids will start on July 8 and run Monday through Thursday until July 25 with half-hour classes at 10 and 10:45 a.m. The cost for the morning classes are $65 per child.

Saturday classes will also be available starting July 13 through Aug. 17. Saturday kids classes start at 11 a.m. Adults can also take swim lessons on Saturdays at 10:15 a.m. Saturday lessons are $45.

According to Facilities Manager JJ Kuerzi, all new kids in the program will be evaluated on their swimming proficiency and put in either Level 1 or 2 classes. 

Level 1 will provide an introduction to water skills and allow students to feel comfortable and safe in the water. Level 2 will provide more fundamental aquatic skills and children will learn basic swimming skills. Adult lessons are also available regardless of swimming proficiency.

Parks & Recreation Director Lance Dennis said it’s a huge relief to be able to get back to being able to provide swim lessons to kids.

“We live in the community with a huge lake and water everywhere,” Dennis said. “Just the thought of some of these kids never learning or having the opportunity to swim just scares me.”

The current plan is to keep the pool open until Labor Day. 

For more information or to register for swim lessons online, visit trouprec.org. Parents/students can also register for classes in person at the Mike Daniel Recreation Center or the William Griggs Recreation Center.