Polson pool ready to reopen Monday

The Mission Valley Aquatic Center plans to reopen on Monday after a weeklong shutdown for construction-related improvements.

The Polson pool, which opened May 20, shut down June 9, in part for renovations to add traction to the pool deck following two injuries at the facility.

The closure allowed allow contractor Swank Enterprises to add some traction to the cement around the pool deck. Swank is adding the surfacing for free, the pool directors said.

Aquatic Director Ali Bronsdon said rumors of multiple injuries were blown out of proportion.

“Two adults, both older, walking on wet floors around a pool have slipped,” she said. “It’s a slippery place. Accidents happen around a pool. It has not been widespread.”

Brooke Roberts, media representative at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson, confirmed the two relatively minor incidents were the only reports from the center. One adult slipped on the pool deck;  the other slipped in the locker room.

Bronsdon said the weeklong shutdown of the brand-new aquatic center allowed contractors to take care of a variety of construction loose ends.

The plan is to reopen Monday, June 17, for the first day of swim lessons.

Since opening, the pool has been available for open swimming and special events.

Program Director Tana Seeley said hundreds of children have been through the facility without incident, including end-of-year parties for third-, fourth- and fifth-graders.

“We’ve had no incident reports on children,” Seeley said. “There were some slippery spots on the pool deck but the contractors are taking care of that.”

The Aquatic Center has not skimped on safety with more than 25 certified lifeguards on staff, but accidents happen, the directors say.

Swim lessons will be up and running Monday morning, with heavy interest at more than 80 students in each session.

Reporter Ryan Murray may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at rmurray@dailyinterlake.com.