With school starting in two weeks, children and adults alike are trying to get in a few last splashes of summer fun at Stafford Park pool. The kiddie pool teemed with toddlers and their parents on Wednesday and the bigger kids showed off their diving skills, performing dives, flips and somersaults.
Dijion Bradley said practicing dives and performing mid-air flips is the main reason he hits the pool. He’s visiting his friends and family in Hinesville for the summer and has been cooling down at the pool before he heads back to Tyler County High School.
In front of a pool full of spectators, Bradley hit his specialty, a two-and-a-half flip.
"I would like to hit the three-and-a-half but I would need a higher board and deeper pool," he explained.
Londa Jackson came to Hinesville for the summer to spend some time wither her mother Vivian and her four nephews Demarcus, Damante, Marcus and Javeon.
Hailing from Orlando, Fla., Jackson said being able to take her nephews to the pool and enjoy the outdoor weather was an escape.
"It’s a little getaway," Jackson said. "They come here all summer long and they love the pool." Jackson said she heads back to Orlando as soon as the kids get ready for the new school year.
"I love the pool because I’m a great floater," Elijah Malick Cantu said demonstrating his ability across the shallow end of the pool."
"I like it because it’s fun," his brother Elijah said.
Brianna Cantu said she brought her two brothers to the pool and enjoys soaking up the rays while keeping an eye on her younger siblings. The Cantu’s came from California barely a week ago to top off their summer vacation. They came to visit Brianna’s mom Veronica who lives in Hinesville.
"I’ll watch them so they can come out and have fun," she said.
There is still some time for the kids to enjoy the pool before school starts.
The Liberty County Recreation Department swimming pool is open from 2-6 p.m. every day. Admission is $2 per person. The pool may be reserved for private parties.
Sunday night is family night with only parents and children admitted from 6:30-8:30. Monday night is senior swim for ages 50 and older, from 6:30-8. Thursday night is pre-teen swim for ages 9-12, from 6:30-8:30. Admission is $2 per person.
The pool may be reserved for exclusive use by individuals or groups. The fee is $50 per hour for 25 people or fewer, $75 per hour for 25-50 people, $100 per hour for 50-75 people and $125 per hour for 75-100 people. Reservations must be made through the LCRD Office. For additional information, go to the LCRD Web site at www.lcrd.net or call 876-5359.