Summer is just around the corner and it brings back fond memories of the swimming pool. Like many awesome spots in Alliance, the current pool is one of four that I know of. The first was located near the bowling alley. The second was where the Military Museum and Conservatory are now. That pool was made in the ‘30s and I think for most of us, it was the best of them all. I loved the stucco outside, going in, putting your stuff away, then walking through the foot dip and going out to the pool. It had two shorter diving boards and one high dive. It took me a long time to get up the nerve to do the tower.
I will never forget one kid doing a back flip off the side of the pool. As she flipped she hit her head on the side and it knocked her out. The ambulance was called, her parents were called, and boy, we were scared. She was okay, but she sure scared the lifeguards silly.
That pool was full sized and just so amazing. Bleachers were located outside of the gate to watch everyone swim. A baby pool always had lots of tots playing and mom’s feet in the water.
Many times Jean Thomas would be teaching swimming lessons, or there would be a swim meet.
Those meets always fascinated me to watch. Those swimmers were awesome. It seems there was never a time the pool wasn’t bursting with people.
The third pool we had was at one time next to the tennis courts behind the high school. It was shaped like an upside down state of Nebraska. Not nearly as big as the last one. But, being new, it held excitement. It had a huge area upstairs where you could stand and watch. I think my brother and I spent every summer day there for at least five years. Being the rotten kid I was, I loved it when everyone had been out of the pool for a rest time, then were getting ready for the whistles to blow to get back in, and I would whistle and everyone would jump in. I was safe, no one thought a girl could whistle like that. Night swims were the most awesome. Not many people and the air was cooling down, we just loved it. We didn’t get to stay many times, but it was fun when we did. Then we would walk home in the dark. Talk about adventure!
By the time Big Blue Bay was created, I was living away from Alliance. I wasn’t sure what to expect. It’s a pretty neat pool, zero entry for small folks, with a water fall. Diving boards and a big ol’ water slide. Not as big a swimming space, but lots to do. Since moving back, I have been there a few times with my Dobby’s Kids for after hours parties, we all had so much fun. I think the folks of Alliance are very fortunate to have a fun facility like Big Blue Bay.
It seems that now there are not as many of the kids who spend their winters waiting for the season pass to go on sale. I know that for my brother and I, and all the kids we knew, we couldn’t wait for summer to come and get that new swim suit, and hit the pool! What great memories to hang onto for forever!