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Now you can stay cool at the pool

After years of merciless sun, the Culbreath Heights Civic Association has installed two cabanas at Interbay Pool.

It's that time of year again for barbecues, swimming lessons and pool parties. Thanks to the Culbreath Heights Civic Association, the Interbay Pool has two new cabanas to keep swimmers cool.

For years, residents using the city-run pool at Estrella Street and Manhattan Avenue had to sit in the blazing sun without shade.

Not any more.

After a few meetings at the local library, the civic association and neighborhood decided to make the cabanas a reality.

"Since 1976, there hadn't been one bit of shade there. You either sat on the concrete or went inside the pool," said Jay Lenny, association president.

Lenny and other members of the association sought help from community groups and businesses to raise $5,000 needed to install the cabanas.

The metal cabanas are about 8 feet tall with bright blue shades. Each covers 20 folding chairs.

The pool is next to a softball field and near Dale Mabry Elementary and Coleman Middle schools. If a pool guest wants to schedule an event, the city will set up tables and chairs under the cabanas, Lenny said.

The community will celebrate the new cabanas with a cookout Saturday at the pool.

"I've been in the neighborhood for 15 years and it has been nice to see any improvements to the pool area," Lenny said.

- Jonathan Milton can be reached at 226-3374 or at milton@sptimes.com

The Culbreath Heights Civic Association hosts a community barbecue from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Interbay Pool, 4123 W Estrella St. Jimbo's Pit Bar-B-Q will provide lunch for $5 a person. Bring a dish to share. For information, call Jay Lenny at 382-8324 or Mark Shellabarger at 281-2184.