The City of Vernon offers a chance for residents to stay cool

LAMAR COUNTY, Ala. (WCBI) – Summer may not be here officially but the weather sure is, and that has people looking for ways to cool off.

In rural areas, there may not be many choices.

But one West Alabama town is offering one solution that some of its larger neighbors don’t even have.

The city of Vernon offers a chance for residents to stay in shape and stay cool, and it’s time to dive in.

It’s the day Deontae Sykes and his friends have been looking forward to for months.

Opening Day at the Vernon City Pool.

“Last year I came just about every day. I have a-lot of fun at it, it’s really exciting and like a-lot of people are here and it’s like really really fun,” said Sykes.

Parks and Recreation Director Zach Ganey said the pool is not only fun, but it’s also a great way for kids to stay active when school is out.

“It provides an inexpensive way for kids to get out and have a better summer experience and make new friends and have a safe environment to enjoy their break in,” said Ganey.

But before any fun can begin, swimmers have to pass a swimming test.

A green wristband allows them to swim in the deep end and a red wristband means they cannot.

Pool manager and lifeguard Hannah Duncan grew up in Vernon.

Duncan said activities are limited in her small town. That makes the pool that much more important to the community.

“There’s not really much. I mean we don’t even have a movie theater so it gives them something to do during the day and they can interact with other kids,” said Duncan.

She also came to Vernon City Pool when she was younger.

“It was really popular when I was a kid. I was here almost every day. Nowadays kids are on cell phones that just stay at home and do nothing all day. I really like to see the kids being kids again,” said Duncan.

Vernon City Pool is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Categories: Local News

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