As preparations are underway for opening day at the Freeman Swimming Pool, Randy Koerner of Koerner Construction was busy installing a ADA-compliant lift chair. The chair will make the pool accessible to more individuals, including both youth and adults who would otherwise be unable to enjoy the many benefits of the pool. The goal is to make the pool a place that can be enjoyed by all, regardless of age or mobility status.
Funding for the project was made available from the City of Freeman, along with a generous grant award in the amount of $5,500 from the Freeman Community Foundation in November of 2022. Emily Hofer of Merchants State Bank serves as president of the local non-profit organization that utilizes earnings from an endowment fund to finance charitable projects designed to improve and enhance the Freeman community.
New to the pool last year was a climbing wall. Other features include a Tsunami slide, diving board and kiddie pool.
Freeman’s swimming pool is open seasonally, with Thursday, June 1, specified as this year’s opening day. Hours are from 1-5:30 PM and 6:30-8:30 PM daily, weather permitting.
Two sessions of swimming lessons will be held this season; the first session will run from June 19-30, followed by a session scheduled for July 10-21. The classes will be instructed by Ava Andersen and Cami Fransen. Serving as pool and concessions managers are Kate Miller and Erin Uecker.
Adult water aerobics classes are also held at the pool on Mondays and Wednesday from 5:30-6:30 PM. The first session will take place on Monday, June 5. The cost is $3 per session or $25 for a 10-session punch card.
Fundraising efforts the late 1950s led to the construction of the local pool which held a formal opening on July 17, 1960. Continued fundraising efforts resulted in the addition of a bathhouse.
The Freeman Swimming Pool is located at 115 N. Wipf Street, adjacent to the Swimming Pool Park. Additional pool details can be found atcityoffreeman.org/city-facilities.