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Saratoga Pool a Hot Spot to Cool Off This Summer

Local pool continues to be a source of community for its members

After the climatic deluge from rainstorms throughout the last weeks, Springfield had a few days of blazing sun one would expect at the end of July. Nestled between the neighborhood and Saratoga Shopping Center, the Saratoga Pool provides a respite from the heat and haze prevalent in the late summer months.

“This is kind of my kids’ first exposure to water,” said Lucy North, recently moved from New York. “It’s great because being around friends or other kids their own age has made them stretch themselves in their ability and what they’re willing to try.”

According to System Operations Manager Wes Griffin, Saratoga Pool was built in the 70s by Van Metre, which also built the local neighborhood.

“They sold the pool to the community for one dollar with the understanding that their department members can come to the pool at no cost,” said Griffin.

Now the private pool is run by Saratoga Recreation Group volunteers, who maintain and open the pool every year, despite limited funds to repair damages.

“We rely heavily on the memberships to keep it going. . . . Everything we get from memberships go right back into the pool to keep it running,” said Griffin.

Many of these pool members are families with children who are able to make friends in the community and learn to swim. Michelle Hutchison, mother of two, says her son recently passed his swim test at the pool.

“We’re here like every day,” she said, “so they’re basically fish.”