Othello pool is open

Senator takes ride on the slide

OTHELLO — The Othello city pool is officially open.

The city held a grand opening ceremony Monday morning at Lions Park.

During the ceremony, the city challenged state Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, to take a ride on the slide fully clothed with the exception of his cowboy boots.

The senator went for it and raised more than $100 to be donated to a charity. The money came from those who challenged him.

The event began with tours of the facility and demonstrations of the equipment by pool staff.

Mayor Shannon McKay opened the ceremony by thanking all those who contributed to making the pool.

He said several people put in many hours and made hundreds of decisions over the past few years to see the pool come together.

"I can appreciate any tough decision they make," Schoesler said. "It's such a great place to represent and live in."

Pool Committee representative Alan Hanks said the pool came a long way from what it was in the past.

In the 1950s the first pool was built at Lions Park in the same area and lasted about 40 years and was much smaller with fewer attractions.

Previous to the first pool, he recalled learning how to swim in a reservoir.

"We swam in some really disgusting water," he laughed. "It used to be a cattle pasture."

Apollo Inc., Vice President Keith Larsen said it took about one year to build and should last 30 to 40 years.

The Italian imported pool features a slide, spray fountains, a zero depth entry point, a lazy river, a bath house and concession stands.

Bonds generated $2.6 million to pay for the pool.