There is good news and bad news as far as the opening of the pool in Washington Park. DeAnna Martin, the city’s director of parks and recreation tells WJPA that they have filled the pool and tested the pumps and the electrical systems and the pool is ready to open, maybe. Martin says the issue they are facing now, as are many pools across the country, is a lack of lifeguards. Martin says they are offering a Lifeguard Certification Class and are encouraging anyone sixteen-years of age or older (even retirees) to take the class and get a tan. Martin says that as an incentive to get certified lifeguards, the city of Washington will even pay much of the expenses, so that when it is all said and done, individuals will really wind up paying only about twenty-five-dollars to get their certification. Martin says more information is available by calling the park office or visiting their Facebook page. As for opening the pool on Memorial Day, Martin says she’s hopeful they’ll be able to work out some type of schedule, even if it means opening for just the weekend, for a shortened time period. The pool has been closed for two years, thanks to the pandemic and safety issues.