Palmetto Beach: New pool opens for swimmers of all ages
The $1.4-million heated outdoor pool near the DeSoto Park Community Center includes swim lanes and two water slides.
By DENISE WATSON BATTS
Published February 6, 2004
The Spicola Family Pool is open near the DeSoto Park Community Center, one of several improvements planned for the Palmetto Beach area.
The 120,000-gallon outdoor pool, which was named after an active local family, has a heater for year-round use and a gradual slope to accommodate swimmers of all ages and abilities. It includes four swim lanes and two water slides.
The pool has its own swim team, the DeSoto Park Novice Competitive team, which will hold swim meets during the summer. Some swim lessons are available now and more will start when the weather gets warmer.
"We think we'll see a substantial increase when the swim season begins," said Linda Carlo, public relations coordinator for the city of Tampa's Park and Recreation Department.
The $1.4-million pool was funded by the $17-million bond issued by the city in 1999 to improve recreation facilities across Tampa. The city passed the bond after reviewing its recreation centers and soccer fields and earmarked money for the areas in most need.
The pool marks the latest improvement to the community south of Ybor City. Last year, grants or community investment tax money paid for a new skate park, lighting and grills in DeSoto Park.
Up next: A trail along McKay Bay is under construction and the city is planning to add playground equipment to DeSoto Park.
The pool was named for the Spicola family, which owned several businesses in the Ybor and Palmetto Beach area, Carlo said.
The pool at 2615 E Corrine St. is open from 3 to 5:45 p.m. weekdays and from noon to 5:45 p.m. weekends. There will be extended hours during the summer and lifeguards are on duty while the pool is open.
Youths ages 8 to 17 can join the swim team. Swim lessons cost $15 for eight lessons and are available for preschoolers to adults.
