Vandergrift Pool memberships are back.
The popular pool, which is in Allegheny Township but owned by the borough, is officially named the Joseph A. Petrarca Memorial Pool and Veterans Memorial Park, for the late state legislator.
Vandergrift Council voted to not sell season passes last summer because of covid-19-related restrictions and social distancing guidelines.
Poolgoers had to buy admission at the gate, and pavilion rentals were suspended.
“We’re just trying to be there for the community and give them a safe outlet this summer,” said Councilman John Uskuraitus, who is parks, recreation and pool chairman.
“We still have to follow the CDC guidelines,” he said.
Pool manager Daisha Clayton said her staff will continue to sanitize high-traffic areas of the pool grounds.
Areas selected for hourly cleaning include ladders, railings, bathrooms and all areas of the snack bar.
Uskuraitis said the pool operates under its own budget and is financially stable.
A new pool liner was installed recently, financed by a $165,000 grant from the state Commonwealth Financing Authority obtained in 2019 by Joe Petrarca, D-Washington Township, son of the pool complex’s namesake.
“We had really old concrete before, and it would leak,” Uskuraitis said. “We had to paint the concrete every year.”
The pool is scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend. Daily hours are set for noon to 8 p.m.
Admission is free for children 2 and younger.
Pavilion rentals are $50 for a three-hour slot weekdays and $60 on weekends.
After-hours private parties are available from 8 to 10 p.m. Cost is cost $250, but reservations can’t be made until after May 1.
“I can’t take party reservations until May because I’m a teacher, and there’s a frenzy (with bookings),” Clayton said.
Pool memberships may be purchased with credit card payments over the phone by calling the Vandergrift Borough office.
Clayton, who has managed the pool for a decade, is looking forward to more normalcy this pool season.
She’s hiring about 20 lifeguards this summer. Applicants must be at least 15 and have current Red Cross certifications.
“We’re excited for a great summer,” Clayton said. “We know restrictions are being lifted each day, and we’re hopeful things this summer will look like past years.”
