Come take a swim! New pool officially open

By CHARLES W. JOHNSON / News Editor for the Southern Standard

“Ahh, ya’ got me,” says Michael Barnes, right, as Mark Harvey lets loose with the water gun at the Gilley Pool opening yesterday. (Charles W. Johnson photo)

Gilley Pool opened Saturday with all the proper pomp and ceremony. McMinnville Mayor Royce Davenport led festivities that recognized many of the people responsible for completing the long-awaited project, including the aldermen who had been in office when pool construction began.

Davenport commended the contractors and construction crews for their hard work as well as Parks and Recreation Director Carlene Brown, whose first two words when she came to the mike were “I’m exhausted,” but who then went on to say she was very proud of the facility and appreciated all the work that went into it.

Bill and Jean Gilley both made moving remarks about how much they appreciated the pool being named in their honor and spoke of their involvement in water safety and training over the years. Of the pool Bill Gilley said, “It’s a jewel in Warren County’s crown.”

After a few more remarks, the Gilleys cut the ribbon at 10 a.m., officially opening the pool for business.

“It’s a happy day,” said Vice Mayor Patti Nunley. “From what I see around me I think all the citizens of McMinnville and Warren County are going to enjoy this pool.”

“This is the most awesome place,” said Chamber of Commerce president Lea Chrisawn. “It is wonderful. This is something we can show prospective businesses and industries as well as people who are looking to relocate to the area. We’re proud of it.”

Alderman Bobby Kirby was more pragmatic in his remarks.

“I’m going to be the first one to dive off the high dive,” he said with a laugh.

As for the pool being named in honor of the Gilleys, Bill said he wanted to thank everyone as well.

“It’s humbling, very humbling,” he said. “We are deeply honored.”

Gilley Pool hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. From now through July 5 there will be a Family Night Swim from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. From July 6 to Aug. 1, the Family Night Swim will be on Saturday night only. Then from Aug. 2 through Labor Day, it will move back to both Friday and Saturday nights.