A swimming pool can be a kid’s second home in the summer, and kids who live in and near Bricelyn have one to look forward to this summer, thanks to Justin Legred and the many businesses, organizations and individuals that have helped fund the pool and its programs each year.

Legred is the pool’s manager, and is working right now to get the pool ready for its June 7 opening day. Kids have already seen him working in the pool area, cleaning, painting and doing beginning of season maintenance projects, Legred said.

&uot;They are ecstatic. They wanted me to open it last week,&uot; he said. But he still has lots of cleaning to do before the pool will be ready.

Operating a pool is a major effort for a community, and many organizations have come together to help keep the pool open. So many have helped, in fact, Legred isn’t sure he can remember all of them.

The United South Central school district actually owns the facility &045; it’s next to the old Bricelyn School &045; and takes responsibility for hiring the lifeguards. But the communities of Bricelyn, Kiester, Frost and Walters provide funding, as do many of the townships in the area.

Community groups also hold fundraisers, the most recent being an auction of May baskets donated by area businesses, Legred said. This summer the pool itself will host &uot;Fundraiser Fridays&uot; when swimmers will be able to rent pool toys, with all proceeds going to support pool programs.

Although he is quick to point out how others help out with the pool, it’s clear the facility gains from his labor. Legred has been managing the pool for the past two summers, and as a licensed lifeguard instructor, he trains and supervises the 10 to 15 lifeguards that staff the pool. But this summer he’s also taking classes to finish up his elementary education degree at Waldorf College, and he’s the Assistant Collegium Director for on-campus housing.

Among the programs at the Bricelyn pool this summer will be three sessions of swim lessons for all levels, a swimnastics exercise class for older adults, lap swim times for adults and &uot;Party Nights&uot; when the pool can be reserved for private gatherings.

Entrance fees this year will be $1 for kids up to 17 and $2 for adults (kids under one year old are free). Passes are available for both individuals and families, with a special pass being offered this year that allows families to swim on Fridays, when pool toys are available. Those who want more information about the pool’s fees and programs can email Legred at: bricelynpool@hotmail.com

Keeping the pool open and affordable for residents is important to Legred. Part of the reason is because the opportunity to offer swim lessons and pool safety instruction helps prevent drownings. But it’s also about enjoying the experience of getting wet.

&uot;I’m doing it so people have a place to swim and have some fun,&uot; he said. &uot;And it’s interesting how a community can get behind something like this.&uot;