News

Bottineau's public swimming pool

By Heather Milbrath

06/12/2012

The Bottineau Community Pool is planning to open its doors this week. This season the pool is looking forward to many new changes, including an ADA lift. The lift was ordered in early April, but due to it being back ordered, it is not expected to arrive for eight to ten weeks.

The pool board, consisting of Greg Bernstein, Andy Freeman, Lucie Deschamp, Kerry Olson and Allison Schultz, is hoping to have the lift done for this summer. This lift would allow physically handicapped individuals to use the pool. ADA lifts became required for all commercial pools because of updated standards from the Justice Department.

Another change for the pool this summer is a new filtration system for the baby pool. Pool manager Codi Rybchinski says that the new filtration system is a work in progress.

"The goal first is to get the pool opened, and then we can work on getting the baby pool working, hopefully this summer yet." Rybchinski said.

Rybchinski planned to step down as pool manager this year, but reconsidered after talking with Mayor Doug Marsden, as well as her family. She didn’t want to see the pool remain closed because it didn’t have a manager.

"All I thought about were the kids that wouldn’t be able to go to the pool during the summer." Rybchinski said.

Rybchinski is very excited for this summer because of the new staff at the pool. "We have one returning guard, Courtney, and eight new team members. I have a good team and I’m ready to get started," Rybchinski said.

The lifeguards this summer are Brianna Defoe, Courtney Gallagher, Rachael Fix, Katja Bartsch, Mikayla Hahn, Katryna Hahn, Jaden Cote, Dylan Arntzen and Trista Bjerk. Defoe will be the head lifeguard this summer, which means she is in charge when Rybchinski is off duty.

Swimming lessons are offered again this year, available for children ages four and up. Rybchinski says that the kids must be potty trained and familiar with a large pool. Parents can contact Rybchinski at (701) 201-0132 or the pool at (701) 228-3031 to sign up. The first session begins July 2 and runs through July 13. The second session starts on July 16 and lasts until July 27.

One thing Rybchinski wants parents to know about swimming lessons is that parents will not be allowed on deck during swimming lessons. If they have any concerns about this, they must notify Rybchinski.

There are also classes offered for adults at the Bottineau Pool this summer. Lap swimming and water aerobics are available in the evenings. Lap swimming is on Mondays and Wednesdays and water aerobics is on Tuesdays and Thursdays, both running from 8-8:30 p.m.

The pool will be open Monday through Friday noon to 8 p.m.; and noon to 6 p.m. on the weekends. Swimmers have the option of buying a daily swim pass or buying a season pass.