Talk About Woodville: Pool slated to open in 2024
When the Woodville Pool did not open for the 2023 summer season, many people wondered if it was the beginning of the end for this village mainstay. Fortunately, it was just a blip in the pool’s long history.
The Village of Woodville had hoped to hire a minimum of six to eight lifeguards last year but received only one application. When the news broke that the pool could not open due to a lack of guards, people offered several ideas to move forward, including offering to sponsor certification for potential guards. Unfortunately, by that point, the decision could not be reversed.
Village received 23 applications for lifeguards
In order to increase chances of opening the pool this year, a campaign was started in January to spread the word that lifeguards were needed. Newspaper articles, flyers at the high school, a segment on a local news channel, dozens of social media posts, and word-of-mouth have done the trick. As of last week, the village has received 23 applications for lifeguard and the open manager position. First thing this past Monday morning, village employees began the process of draining and cleaning the pool.
“If any repairs are needed, we will address them at this time,” said Village Administrator Tom Brickley. “We will then begin refilling the pool which takes approximately three to four days. My plan is to have the pool up and running in a couple of weeks. We will see if that comes true.” An inspection and approval from the Sandusky County Health Department is also required before the pool can open for the season.
With the number of applications that have been submitted, there is a very good chance that the pool could be open seven days a week this summer. However, most of the applicants still need to obtain their lifeguard certification. If pool preparation remains on track, certification classes may even be offered on site.
With the cost of certification running $200 to $275, many of the applicants are hoping to find sponsors to help cover that cost. The village cannot be part of any sponsorship agreements but will reimburse 50% of certification fees at the end of a lifeguard’s first season and the remaining 50% at the end of the second season.
To help future lifeguards and potential sponsors to connect, a form has been posted on the @Word on Woodville Facebook page to collect contact information which will be shared with those who respond. Terms and conditions for sponsorship will need to be worked out between the guards and sponsors themselves.
Anyone interested in sponsoring an applicant may contact me at rene.dix@email.com and I will add your contact information to the list.
Red Cross Blood DriveThe next Red Cross blood drive is scheduled for noon to 5 p.m., May 10 at the Woodville Township Fire Station. Appointments may be made online at www.redcrohttp://www.redcrossblood.orgssblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Mother’s Day BanquetThe Woodville United Methodist Church is preparing for its annual Mother, Daughter, Friend Banquet featuring a meal prepared and served by the men of the church, followed by a program titled “Picnic in the Park.”
To make a reservation for the event call 419-367-8383 or contact office@woodvilleumc.net by the May 7 deadline. The dinner will take place at 6 p.m., May 11, in the church’s Fellowship Hall.The organizers would love to borrow some picnic baskets to display for the evening. If you have a basket to loan, contact the church.
All-Town Garage SalesThe 20th Annual Woodville All-Town Garage Sale is Memorial Day weekend, Thursday, May 23 through Saturday, May 25. The cost to be included on the “Official Garage Sale Roster” is still $10. Registration forms will be available beginning May 1 at the Woodville Library or by contacting wbca43469@gmail.com. Online registration will be available on Facebook at @WdvlGarageSales43469. In order to be included on the roster, registration and payment must be submitted by May 15. Rosters will be available on May 23.
Contact Rene Dix at 419-307-0914 or via email at rene.dix@email.com.
This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Talk About Woodville: Numerous applications received for lifeguard positions
