With the pool season over one month away for Jefferson residents, the facility will see some new additions and upgrades.

Jefferson Parks and Recreation Director Denny Hammen says the new slide and rock climbing wall have been ordered, following approval from the state. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio a state inspector had to review the plan for both amenities, which took about one year to complete. Hammen points out these items were purchased using grant funds from Grow Greene County Gaming Corporation (GGCGC) for the slide and the Greene County Community Foundation for the rock climbing wall.  

Because the grants were from 2023 and both organizations have requirements to get projects completed within a certain time frame, Hammen wrote a letter to both asking for an extension, which was granted.

“Sometimes it doesn’t work out the way that you want and it did not follow their timelines. But they were both very understanding, both organizations were very understanding when those things happen. We’re very appreciative that they allowed us to go ahead.”  

Hammen points out another new item is a pool heater that GGCGC gave a $60,000 grant this year. 

“We knew for the last couple of years that our heater was on its ending days as well. We applied for a grant through the Grow Greene County to replace that heater. So we’re pretty excited about that. Once again we’re hoping that can be something that will be installed before the season (gets) started. It’s been ordered and we’ll see how that shakes out.”  

Hammen adds they can use their current heater if there is a delay installing the new one, as the current one is still functioning, and can be used if needed.