Jackson Parks & Rec staff prepare for busy summer season

JACKSON, Tenn. — City of Jackson Recreation and Parks Department staff are preparing for their busiest time of year.

On Wednesday, water could be seen filling the community pool at the T.R. White Sportsplex. “We started Monday running water into the pool. It takes about three and a half days,” Sportsplex Director Terry Smith said.

The pool is expected to open the Tuesday following Memorial Day, pending a successful test run through the weekend.

Once the pool has enough water inside, staff will shock the water with chemicals, give it a deep clean and finish installing umbrellas and diving boards.

Smith said the pool got a fresh coat of paint to the sides and bottom before being filled this week.

For a dollar per person, non-summer campers can take advantage of the open swim from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Smith said staff is too busy to give swim lessons, so they recommend taking private lessons or contacting the Lift before heading to the pool if they cannot already swim.

In the LANA area, the Westwood Recreation Center pool isn’t expected to open until June 4. Parks and rec staff said this was due to lifeguard availability.

Residents can take advantage of a deal at the registration office inside the Westwood Recreation Center.

Non-Jackson residents can purchase the activity card, which provides a break on fees for parks and recreation programs.

“When they purchase this card they can get the city rate,” Registration Director Melissa Cockrell said.

Individuals can purchase the pass for $30. For a family of four or more the rate is $99.

Cockrell said because the pass is good for one year after the purchase date, it is a huge savings for those taking advantage of programs through the Recreation and Parks Department.