By Marie Pfeifer
Local officials aren’t supposed to jump off the deep end. But they could be forgiven for that on Thursday, when they tested the waters for Friday’s long-awaited reopening of the Ginty Pool in Morris Township.
Gates open to the public at noon today, July 3, 2015, just in time for the Independence Day holiday, after $2 million of renovations that took longer than anticipated.
Township Administrator Tim Quinn blamed severe winter for delaying the RJR Construction Co. of Califon.
Mayor Dan Caffrey offered a champagne toast to the unofficial opening, and later was first to test the water slide (see video). Amenities include three meter- and one meter diving boards, zero-depth entry and Olympic-size lap lanes.
The kids pool should be completed in time for a July 11 “Big Splash” party and open house.
That event runs from 11 am to 8 pm and costs $5 for nonmembers; members get in for free. Kelly Ford and the NASH-FM Street Team are scheduled to attend, with live music by the Bottle Openers Band (a finalist in Morristown’s Got Talent) from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm, and Cloud 9 DJ from 1 pm to 7 pm.
Video by Joe Caffrey: Mayor Dan Caffrey personally ensures that the water slide is in working order.
Quinn said he was very pleased with the renovated pool, which was redesigned after a series of focus groups determined residents’ sentiments. The goal, the administrator said, was a more interactive pool without the water park atmosphere.
The renovations focused on fixing severe leaks that have plagued the pool, constructed in 1969 under the direction of then-recreation Chairman John W. Ginty.
Pool membership, swim lessons and special events info is here.
Ginty Pool hours for the Fourth holiday weekend:
Friday, July 3 —Noon to 8 pm
Saturday, July 4 — 11 am to 8 pm
Sunday, July 5 — 11 am to 8 pm
Township officials expressed thanks to pool members for their patience while awaiting finishing touches on the main pool. Committee members Peter Mancuso, Lois Johnson and Matheu Nunn attended the tour, along with Bill Foelsch, Township recreation director.
Next, the Streeter Pool is slated for a facelift at summer’s end. Bids go out next week, with construction projected to start in late September, after the swim season is over. The Streeter Pool is a little smaller than Ginty, but it will receive similar features.
Photos by Marie Pfeifer. Please click icon below for captions.
