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Base pool opening soon

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ashlin Federick
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Summer means different things to different people such as going to the beach or just relaxing by the pool with friends and family.

The 436th Force Support Squadron and Outdoor Recreation on Dover Air Force Base made some renovations to the Oasis Pool, which will open May 24, to make it more enjoyable for the Team Dover community.

A new splash pad has been added for this season along with the returning features of a diving board, water slide and climbing wall.

Chris Smith, Outdoor Recreation manager, said the splash pad was something they have been trying to add for four years. He said it gives Outdoor Recreation an opportunity to provide an additional service to Team Dover members.

"I think we will probably see a few adults running through there too," said Smith. "Just another thing we have been trying to do over the years to upgrade and get it to something comparable to services off base."
In addition to the splash pad, Outdoor Recreation also upgraded the filtration system to help cut down maintenance costs and make it more reliable. The pool liner was also upgraded as well.

Lt. Col. Matt Orlowsky, 436th Force Support Squadron commander, said it is important that people utilize pool.

He said because of sequestration, FSS and Outdoor Recreation were told they were to no longer use appropriated lifeguards which means the funding is coming out of the Morale Welfare and Recreation funds to provide that service. Due to this, it is important the community comes out and supports the base pool, he said.

"We are excited and think it is a fantastic service that we provide to the installation just based on the fact that it isn't available downtown," said Orlowsky. "Surely the YMCA has an indoor pool but nothing like this especially when you see the slide and the splash pad. The splash pad is really going to upgrade it and make it a great place for the community to gather this year."

The base pool is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily and can hold a maximum of 125 swimmers. It is available to anyone with access to the base or can be sponsored by someone who has access. The daily fee for using the pool is $5. Team Dover members can get a season pass ranging from $33 to $109 depending on family size. The pool is also available for private parties. For more information, contact Outdoor Recreation at (302) 677-3959.