End-of-summer pool party is Saturday

By DUANE SHERRILL / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

One last splash: The frog slide is one of the many new attractions that kids such as 10-year-old Michael Thrower enjoyed during the first summer of operation for Gilley Pool.

Swimmers will bid farewell to Gilley Pool for this year during a special party Saturday, marking the end of an inaugural season which exceeded all expectations.

“We really had no idea it would be this good during the first year,” said McMinnville Parks and Recreation Director Carleen Brown. “It has exceeded our estimations and has been very successful.”

According to Brown, revenues were above what was estimated while several expenditures were below estimates.

“Things like our chlorine system, which is computer-controlled, cost less than what we estimated they would take to operate,” Brown said, noting the chlorine system detects when to add chemicals to the water and then adds them automatically. “Going into this, we had never done it before, so we really weren’t sure exactly what different areas would cost. We’ve been pleasantly surprised.”

Final totals for attendance and revenues from the maiden year at the pool will be available in the coming days.

The success of the opening year comes after the unexpected death of the pool’s namesake, Bill Gilley, who died of a heart attack just 48 hours after he opened the pool in June during dedication services in his honor.

According to Brown, the swim year will close with an end-of-summer celebration this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The party will include numerous fun activities and games.

Brown said although the official closing party is Saturday, the pool will still be open this Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. and on Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. before finally closing for the season.

Brown said she expects season passes for the upcoming year to go on sale before Christmas, perhaps adding a gift idea for the holiday season for swimmers.