MAN - After many delays, the Town of Man Community Pool opened on Wednesday and the facility will be hosting a special free event to the public next week.

The pool has been a sore subject in the town. It's been closed down since 2005 and the town took it over from the current lessee, who says he may take the matter to court.

But, several Man residents were glad to have the pool open. Several youngsters swam there yesterday after learning the pool was open.

"I am happy to say we are opening the pool," Town Councilman John Fekete said yesterday. Fekete said a lot of support came in from the entire community to make the project possible and that the park board wanted to thank everyone for their hard work with a special event next week.

"Next Thursday, we are going to have a Town of Man-Community Appreciation Day from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on August 7," Fekete said.

"On that day, everything will be free and we will have hot dogs, drinks and food at no charge and the admission to the pool is free that day. This is one of the things we said we would do to celebrate the girl's softball state championship. That will be next Thursday and we hope to see a good turnout."

The attempt to get the pool reopened took longer than anybody expected, Fekete said, adding he was glad to see the facility reopen on July 30, even if it took longer than was planned.

"The Logan County Health Department worked with us," he said. "They had a list of things required and there were just so many things to do. It just took longer than we thought it would, but they were very good to us. They came down and took a look at what we had accomplished and gave us a permit to operate, so we decided to go ahead and open it up for the rest of the year. The Logan County Commission was very supportive and we are thankful to Art Kirkendoll, Danny Godby and Willie Akers for their support and they donated $10,000 on behalf of the county. We also are grateful to support from local business leaders like Gary Corns, the McDonald Land Company and Logan Bank and Trust who also donated funds on behalf of the community. I am thankful to the city council and the mayor as well, for their support on this project.

"For the past few weeks, we have had a ton of volunteers come over and help. The list is almost endless. There were so many wonderful people and they put forth a tremendous community effort to do something for our local kids. We fixed up the picnic sheds and people can utilize them for parties, too. Right now, the concessions stand will just have pop and snacks. We have to look into things to see what we will have to do to sell prepared foods. People can bring coolers and pack a lunch or snacks and drinks if they want. We do allow coolers and lawn chairs to be brought. You are more than welcome to do that.

The pool will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. for regular hours with the pool closed Mondays and Tuesdays. The facility can be booked for pool parties in the evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. the public can call city hall or contact the pool at 583-2585 for more details.