WOODVILLE, Ohio — For the first time in two years, the Woodville Pool has reopened for the 2024 season.
In 2023, the pool was not open to the public due to low staffing.
"So, I just moved back to Woodville a couple of years ago, and I was really bummed out that the pool was closed that first year," Maria Flores, a local mom, said.
Over the last year, Woodville Mayor Ty Tracy said the village has been working with the community to reopen the pool.
Tuesday was the first day of the season. And, it was a total success.
"It's been a warm welcome back," Tracy said. "There's been a lot of community members involved, employees, council, just to get us (Woodville Pool) up back and running."
Photos taken by the Woodville Police showed cars lining the road, an overflowing bike rack, and a busy pool.
Woodville Police posted a celebratory post on Facebook, congratulating the pool on the success of their first day, while reminiscing on the past.
Hundreds of comments shared similar sentiments. Many focused on the joys of childhood, and their shared love of Woodville.
As a parent, Flores says it has been nice to have her kids swim at the same pool she went to as a child, and now, they walk there every day.
"It's absolutely a full circle moment. It's great," Flores said. "There was enough staff to come out and allow the kids to get out for the summer which has been nice. We're just a block away from the pool."
Camille Strong is another local who grew up going to the pool.
"I started coming here when I was really little with my grandma and my parents," Strong said.
Now, she works as a lifeguard and said she's excited to have the community back in the pool after a long-awaited opening.
"Yeah, I think it's great to get the community together," Strong said.