News Summary

The Pinetree Recreation Center is set to upgrade its competitive swimming pool with a new gas-powered heating unit funded by the Lumpkin County school system. The $46,500 investment will ensure that local student athletes can train comfortably throughout the fall season. Despite initial challenges related to an Intergovernmental Agreement, the project is moving forward, with plans for efficient installations expected soon. Coaches and swimmers anticipate a busy season ahead, with possible enhancements including an insulated pool cover to extend swimming opportunities year-round.

Exciting Upgrades Coming to Pinetree Rec Center’s Competitive Pool

In the charming town of Pinetree, the local Recreation Center is making waves—quite literally! The competitive swimming pool is buzzing with enthusiasm as local student athletes dive back into their training routines. Thanks to a recent investment from the Lumpkin County school system, a new gas-powered heating unit is on the way, ensuring that swimmers can continue their practice even as the cooler fall months roll in.

New Heater on the Horizon

The school system has committed a solid $46,500 for the purchase and installation of this new heater, a decision that’s taken a weight off the shoulders of both students and coaches. Initially, there were some bumps in the road, particularly relating to an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the county government and the Board of Education. Concerns about gas measurement for the heaters and responsibilities concerning repairs were addressed, paving the way for this much-needed upgrade.

By the end of August, the details of the IGA were squared away, with a vote coming through from the school board in early September. The agreement was ratified swiftly by the Board of Commissioners shortly thereafter, setting the stage for swift action. It turns out that the used heaters from the University of North Georgia weren’t compatible, leading to a decision to invest in a brand new heater, which will be far more efficient than attempting to use multiple older models.

Swimming Season Gets a Boost

Coaches and student athletes alike are looking forward to the extended use of the pool now that they are assured of staying warm during those chilly fall practices. Installation of the new heater is expected to commence soon after delivery, with heating anticipated to be up and running just a couple of weeks after the installation crew gets to work.

Swimming coach Luke Maloney is optimistic about the timeline for the upcoming competitive swimming season. His teams have been busy training at the Pinetree facility, where the water has surprisingly stayed warm enough for practice, much to everyone’s relief. Reports have confirmed that both middle and high school swim teams will have opportunities to practice at the Pinetree pool, contradicting earlier statements that limited access to only middle school swimmers.

A Bright Future for Pinetree Swim Teams

With the middle and high school seasons overlapping nicely, there are plans to make the most of this year-round swimming opportunity. The aim is to hold middle school swim meets between late August and early October to dodge the frigid winter months. As excitement builds, the upcoming season will certainly be a trial run to see just how late into the fall the swimming activities can continue smoothly.

Beyond the installation of the heater, there might be plans on the table for further enhancements, such as an insulated cover for the pool to help retain heat even more effectively. This could potentially set the Pinetree pool up as a prime location for competitive swimming year-round, provided the trial period goes well.

Jared Ray, the manager at the Pinetree Rec Center, is on top of things and confirmed that preparations are in full swing. Staff members will be on-site daily to ensure maintenance and supervision during school-sanctioned events, showing the county’s commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for its young athletes. Gas connections have already been made, marking the final steps toward getting the heater operational.

As the community looks forward to a bustling swimming season, it’s clear that the investment in the Pinetree Recreation Center is just the beginning of an exciting chapter for the local sports scene. With a new heater on the way and enthusiastic swimmers ready to dive in, Pinetree is poised to make a splash this fall!

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