Hartley makes a splash!

The weather was chilly, but the mood was warm last Saturday during the grand opening of Hartley's new pool.

Local officials cut the ribbon at the new facility, which welcomed swimmers for the first time after two years of delays. Current Council Member and former Hartley Pool Taskforce Committee Member Mary Westphalen was happy the community could finally celebrate.

"I love seeing all the smiles," she said. "Having this come together for the community, it's all been worth it."

The pool was supposed to open in 2022, but errors made during the construction process led to a failed safety inspection. Opening day was pushed back indefinitely until state officials finally approved a remediation plan last summer.

"It's been a long journey," said Westphalen. "Obviously we were not happy with how everything went, but the past is the past and the future is smiling faces at the pool."

Water Superintendent Terry Hilbert said city staff members were still getting acquainted with the pool's operations.

"Everything's been looking pretty good," he said. "Give me 100 kids in here on a hot day, and we'll really see how it's running."

Pool Manger Pam Mohni was excited for the community and ready to get going. She has a staff of 15 lifeguards this summer.

"It's great," she said. "Everything has been running good, and we've been doing a lot of training. It's a lot of work behind the scenes and everybody has worked so hard to get here."

Hartley has been without a pool since the swimming season closed in 2020. The new one was built thanks to a $1.7 million bond issue passed by 84 percent of city voters in 2021.

Hartley's previous pool was constructed in 1958.