Green Bank Observatory and Pocahontas County Parks and Recreation unite for a second year to share the Green Bank pool with the community.
Swimming is a favorite pastime of all ages to beat the summer heat, but in Pocahontas County, pools that can be used by the public are few and far between.
For decades, the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Green Bank Observatory (GBO) has been lucky to have a pool located on its grounds. Access was interrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and for some time afterwards as delayed maintenance prevented the pool from re-opening. In 2023, GBO staff was thrilled to have access to the pool once again. A partnership between GBO and Pocahontas County Parks and Rec made reopening possible, allowing both staff and local residents to enjoy the pool.
GBO and Parks and Rec are uniting again for a second year to open the pool this summer. Teamwork is required to make this happen. GBO staff worked hard to clean, paint and get the pool ready for happy, splashing visitors of all ages, and Parks and Rec provides lifeguards and administration to ensure swimmer health and safety.
“Sharing our facility with the community is important to us,” said Christine Plumley, GBO Business Manager. “We work and live here, too. We know how much it means to our families and our neighbors to enjoy the pool in the summer.”
Parks and Recreation plans to open the pool June 1, seven days a week, from noon to 6:30 p.m. There will be a $5 entrance fee collected by Parks and Rec for all community members, however, children ages 3 and younger will be admitted free with an accompanying adult. Season passes are available for $65 per individual and $165 for a family. Contact Parks and Recreation with any questions at parksandrec@frontiernet.net or 304-799-7386.