
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, May 8, 1994                   TAG: 9405100001
SECTION: DISCOVER NRV                    PAGE: 42   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Long

THE VALLEY HAS PLENTY OF POOLS, TOO

For those who prefer a smooth surface under their feet and the shimmering aquamarine of pool water, there are plenty of swimming pools in the New River Valley. They traditionally open on the Memorial Day weekend and close over Labor Day weekend. Hours and admission prices vary. Several offer lessons, and some can be rented for private parties.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Blacksburg Municipal Pool, Graves Avenue, will open June 18, then Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is 75 cents or $6.50 for 10 visits for children 3-14, and $1 or $8.50 for 10 visits for 15 and older.

For more information, call 961-1105.

Blacksburg Aquatic Center, Patrick Henry Drive, open all year. Many activities and lessons. Hot tub. Admission is $2 for adults, $1.50 for seniors 65 and over, and $1.50 for children 3-14. Children under 3 are free.

Alta Mons Methodist Camp, about 61/2 miles off U.S. 11 on Virginia 637 near Shawsville, plans to open Memorial Day weekend. Saturday hours will be 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday hours will be 1 to 6 p.m. Admission is $2 per person; no charge for children under 6 when accompanied by an adult.

For more information, call 268-2409.

Virginia Tech's War Memorial Gym pool, on the Virginia Tech campus, is open year-round for students, faculty members and their families. Two guests per person are allowed.

Once the summer school session starts, call 231-6856 for more information.

Montgomery County Department of Parks and Recreation pool, off U.S. 460 across from Corning, will be open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Daily admission is $1 for preschoolers, $1.50 for kindergartners through high school students, $1 for senior citizens and $1.50 for adults.

Lap Club season passes are available for $30, and family passes are $150.

The pool offers swimming lessons, a Lap Club, basic water safety, rescue courses and lifeguard training.

For more information, call 382-6975.

RADFORD

Radford Department of Parks and Recreation pool in Bissett Park off U.S. 11 is open to the public. It opens May 28 and closes Sept. 5.

Daily charge is $1.25 for adults and $1 for children. Evening swim is 75 cents for adults and 50 cents for children. Swimming classes for all ages are offered, and the pool may be booked for private parties. For more information, call the Recreation Department at 731-3633.

Radford University has two pools: the Dedmon Center Natatorium and the Peters Hall pool.

The pool at the Dedmon Center is open year-round to Radford University students, faculty and some members of the athletic association. For information, call 831-5240.

The Peters Hall pool is open year-round to students and faculty on a limited basis. The pool is primarily used in the university's academic program and is contracted out to various organizations. For information, call 831-5297.

PULASKI COUNTY

The Hensel Eckman YMCA Pool, on Oakhurst Avenue near Pulaski Middle School, is open to the public year-round. YMCA members are admitted free with a membership card. Cost for nonmembers is $3 for children, $5 for adults and $10 for a family. On Sundays, the charge is $5 for a family, $3 for adults and $2 for children.

For more information, call 980-3671.

GILES COUNTY

The Wolf Creek Park swimming hole on Park Drive in Narrows will be open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The swimming area is open to the public during park hours, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and lifeguards are on duty 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission to the park and swimming are free. Picnic shelters are $60 a day or $30 a half-day. Picnic tables rent for $1 an hour or $5 a day.

For more information, call 726-2423.

Pearisburg Municipal Pool, on Wenonah Avenue, will open Memorial Day weekend and close Labor Day weekend. The pool is open to the public, and hours have not been determined.

Admission prices have not been set for this summer.

The pool will offer swimming and scuba-diving lessons, and advanced lifesaving.

For more information, call 921-3527.

Castle Rock Recreation Facility pool, on Virginia 626 off U.S. 460 in Pembroke, plans to open Memorial Day weekend and will be open from noon to 6 p.m. daily.

The pool is open to the public, and admission is $1.50 for adults, $1 for students.

Swimming classes may be offered, and the pool is available for private parties from 6 p.m. to dusk.

For more information, call 626-7276.

FLOYD COUNTY

Great Oaks Country Club, on U.S. 221 in Floyd County, is open to club members only. For information on membership, call 745-2189.

by CNB