One of the pool’s managers, Hunter Mathis, introduced us to Maci Clark, gatekeeper. She occupies the station up front and makes sure admission fees are paid. Mathis will be the manager in charge Monday and Tuesday. The other managers on site during the rest of the week are Lauri Mathis (yes, his mother) and Robin Lee, who is in charge of pool maintenance as well as supervision. 

About the job of pool manager, Hunter Mathis said, “It's good knowing that we're allowing these kids to have a place like this, to be able to come and hang out and swim.” 

The lifeguards on duty Monday (pictured above with Hunter Mathis at far left) included (from left to right) Sydnie Booker, Baili Butler, Mayra Garcia, Jack Akard and Emma Wright. They watch over the swimmers to make sure everyone in the water is safe. Asked if they felt lucky to get a summer job at the Hope pool, the lifeguards each answered yes.  Other lifeguards not pictured are Jaci McKamie, Tanasia Young and Gabriel Tharp.

The pool’s hours Monday through Friday are noon to 5:00 p.m.  Saturdays noon to 6:00 p.m.  The pool is closed Sundays except for parties If you’re 17 and under you can swim for $3 a day. If you’re older than 17, it’s $5. That’s a bargain, especially on a July day. The pool will be open in these hours until the time public schools begin classes. 

See the pool’s website for more information. 

Correction: In an earlier version of this story it was mistakenly said the pool would remain open until Labor Day. We were informed by pool manager Robin Lee that the pool will be closing at the start of the fall school year. We regret the error.

(Photos by Ethan Houk)