A group of community leaders in the Northern Lehigh area got together and decided the borough of Slatington needed a swimming pool in the late '50s and early '60s. Victory Park had space and in 1963 the pool was opened at a cost of $60,000.

It is privately owned by the Northern Lehigh Swimming Pool Association and is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

By 1989, the pool needed major rehabilitation, said Manager Farrell Snyder. The coping, tile, plastering, racing lanes, plumbing and filtration were all updated at a cost of $120,000.

Last year the shell, coping and plastering were redone for the low bid of $92,000.

That's where we are at, Snyder said.

It is the season memberships that keep us going, Prices range from $160 for a family of two to $60 for senior citizens and $90 for students. With most of summer ahead, season tickets are still available.

Individuals may come in for a daily rate and a refreshment stand contributes to the cost of operation.

But it is the donations that are a big help. Major among them are The Trexler Foundation, Horsehead Industries and the Mickley/Frabel Trust.

Service clubs such as the Slatington Rotary, Slatington Lions, Slatington Women's Club and the Slatington Skeet Club all help out.

This year the Slatington Lions purchased soap dispensers and electric hand dryers at a cost of $1,980.

Hours are from noon to 8 p.m. seven days a week.

Late last year, the baby pool developed a leak in a pipe.

At the end of the season, a crew hand-dug 6 feet down to fix it to avoid bringing in heavy equipment.

Now mechanically, we are in good shape, Snyder said.

The pool, which is big enough for the borough, holds 300,000 gallons of water.

The baby pool, for youngsters age 7 and younger, holds 7,500 gallons.

Slatington borough donates water, sewer and miscellaneous services.

They contribute a lot, he said.

Snyder said he has been there 30 years, and for 25 of those, he was manager. He is in 6 a.m. to closing every day.

The pool area is no smoking and non-alcoholic.

The Northern Lehigh Community Center sponsors swimming lessons.

Call the center at 610-760-0300 for registration information.

Lessons are taught according to the American Red Cross curriculum.