Last summer, enjoying the Wheeling Island swimming pool were, from left, Shauntya Yuhas, Amiya Fisher and Sanira Wilians, all of Wheeling. The city of Wheeling’s swimming pools are slated to open June 3. (File Photo by Shelley Hanson)

With the unofficial kick-off of summer this Memorial Day weekend comes the reopening of local swimming pools.

Wheeling’s swimming pools are slated to open June 3, said Rochelle Barry, director of the Wheeling Recreation Department.

“Pools are a summer staple for many. Not only do they provide a recreational opportunity for our residents, our pools are a place for family fun and for some, help to incorporate physical activity into daily life,” Barry said.

“Throughout the summer, we facilitate other activities at our pools that are often free and enjoyable for any age.

“The pools are also a great way to beat the summer heat. On a hot summer day, there’s no better feeling than taking a plunge into a pool. I am looking forward to opening day on June 3.”

The city’s pools include Bridge Park pool on Wheeling Island, 36th Street pool in South Wheeling, Grandview/Wheeling Heights Pool in East Wheeling and Garden Park pool in Warwood.

The cost is $2 for adults, $1 for children (ages 6-12), and children 5 years old and younger get in free. The pools operate noon to 6 p.m. daily.

The Wheeling Park swimming pool opened last weekend, and the Oglebay Park swimming pool opens today. People can pay a daily admission to enter the pools, or purchase a seasonal pass good for entry to both facilities.

In the city of Moundsville, the Four Seasons Pool is an indoor swimming pool that is open year-round and ready for the summer season. But its new outdoor splash pad, located adjacent to the pool, has reopened for business as well.

Those who pay to enter the swimming pool also can use the outdoor splash pad.

Moundsville City Manager Rick Healy said the city is looking forward to another successful season at the facility.

“The addition of the Splash Pad made a huge impact in the patronage at the pool in 2022,” he said. “The overall numbers were up greatly, with many new patrons.

“The beauty of our Splash Pad is that in conjunction with the indoor pool, we offer the best of both worlds – indoor and outdoor water recreation.

“The increased usage last year has prompted us to bring back the concession stand for 2023. We will be offering drinks, candy, chips and such, hot pretzels, nachos and cheese, hot dogs, and ice cream treats.

“We expect 2023 to be another banner year for Four Seasons Pool.”

Admission to the Four Seasons Pool and splash pad is $3 for children 4-12; $5 for ages 13-54; $4 for ages 55 and older; and children 3 years old and younger enter free. Open swim is noon to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

The Benwood pool opens Saturday with free swimming. There also will be free hot dogs, soda and chips for those in attendance.

There will be inflatables for children from noon to 4 p.m., the Sarah Hays Band will perform from 2-4 p.m., and the Vince Villanova Bank takes the stage from 6-8 p.m. It is the kickoff to the 50th anniversary celebration of Benwood Park.

The city of Cameron’s swimming pool, 2 Park St., Cameron, is scheduled to open at noon Saturday, May 27. It will be open from noon to 6 p.m. daily this summer. Daily admission is $2 for adults; $1 for seniors 55 years old and older; $1 for children ages 5-17; and children 4 years old and younger enter free. The pool hosts free swims every Wednesday during the summer. It is also planning various free swims on weekends this season.

And it appears the weather will cooperate with those wanting to take a dip as part of their celebration of the holiday. The high temperatures this weekend are forecast to reach 80 degrees, and next week’s temperatures are forecast to hit 90 degrees.