“Anybody and everybody will be more than welcome to attend,” said Logan.
There won't be any swimming, but there will be tours for folks interested in checking out the $10.3 million facility. Swimming will begin for members on May 11 and for the general public on May 17.
An official grand opening for the Aquatic Center will take place sometime next month, Logan said.
After about a year and a half of construction, the city received a certificate of temporary occupancy just hours before Monday night's council meeting.
“Today is substantial completion,” Logan said at the meeting. “It can be used as an aquatic center as of (Tuesday).”
“You can tell by the look of the water (that it's ready),” Logan added. “It's got the kind of polished look.”
Aquatic Center staff have been getting in the water this week, doing lifeguard training.
A punch list of small items remains to be finished, but none of them prohibit the use of the facility, Logan said.
The Aquatic Center parking lot will not be ready for use for about a month, and with the Homesteader Park Rest Area also under construction, the city will encourage residents to park in the two Homesteader cul-de-sacs that come off Panther Boulevard (formerly Road 8) and Seventh Street.
Because of construction delays, the city was only able to begin work on the parking lot about two weeks ago, Logan said.
From Tuesday, May 11, to Saturday, May 15, the pool will be open for swimming to members only. After closing on Sunday, it is scheduled to open to the general public for swimming on May 17 at 5:30 a.m.
Logan said the members-only week would help promote the purchase of memberships and give the city a chance to check out the facility before opening fully.
An annual membership for an adult (between 22 and 59 years old) costs $175, with senior memberships — for those 60 years of age and older — priced at $125 and youth — those 3 to 21 — costing $100. Family and corporate memberships also are available.
Memberships can be purchased at city hall.
Daily admission will be $4 for adults and $3 for youth and seniors.
For more information on rates and hours, contact the Powell Aquatic Center at 754-0639 or visit their webpage, www.powellaquatics.com.