Historic Swimming Pool at Abilene State Park Awaits Changes Ahead of Summer Season
April 28, 2016
ent--article_ _media__contact">Media Contact: news@tpwd.texas.gov, 512-389-8030
Note: This item is more than seven years old. Please take the publication date into consideration for any date references.
TUSCOLA – Changes are coming soon to the historic swimming pool at Abilene State Park.
When the pool opens for the summer season on May 28, the park will begin charging an additional fee for using the swimming pool. The pool use fee for park visitors will be $1 for children 12 and under and $2 for adults 13 and over. These pool fees are in addition to the regular park entry fees, which are $5 for anyone 13 years or older. Children 12 and under enter the park for free.
Ryan Hunter, superintendent at Abilene State Park, said the funds provided by these modest fees will help offset the cost of adding two additional staff members to the swimming pool, as well as recover some rising cost of operating the pool.
“The swimming pool has seen record levels of use in recent years, and as a result, lifeguards performed 17 water rescues last summer, much more than in recent years,” said Hunter. “The extra support at the pool will improve safety in the water and will allow us to maintain the swimmer load at safe levels, a need we’ve had for several years.”
The park will also offer a concession stand at the pool this summer for the first time in nearly 10 years. The stand will offer snacks, drinks and a few pool-related items to make park visitors’ swimming experience more enjoyable.
“We’re excited about offering our guests more amenities at the park, like the concession stand,” Hunter said. “Our number one priority is the safety and enjoyment of all park guests.”
Abilene State Park is located about 17 miles southeast of Abilene on Farm-to-Market 89, near Buffalo Gap.