The renovated community swimming pool opened last Saturday in Las Animas.

    A throng of kids and teens were enjoying its cooling waters and the new water slide on Monday afternoon as temperatures soared higher after a relatively cool weekend in the 80s.

    The local Trofin swim team is now able to practice at the pool.

    “My kids are on the team. They started today, Monday,” said Cheryl Miller, administrative assistant at the Las Animas Public Works Department.

    A grand opening for the new and improved pool will be held on Tuesday, July 8, from 1 to 6 p.m., Miller also announced.

    Swimming will be free on grand opening day, reported Linda Morlan, the pool manager.

    Morlan also said Monday she had just learned that she has permission to keep the pool open this season even after school opens in late August. In recent years the opening of school has marked the closure of the swim season. Morlan after school resumes said the pool will be open Friday through Sunday as long as warm weather holds up.

    This year the pool opening was delayed due to the $384,685 renovation project.

    Public Works Director Ken Wagner noted last month that the Great Outdoor Colorado (GOCO) grant that provided $199,045 of the construction cost did not announce the award until late last year.  That was too late to begin the demolition work, which would have given the project a jump start this spring.

    Some of the improvements include new concrete decking, a new PVC liner, a new slide and diving board, and a new entrance ramp to accommodate users with disabilities.