The Marshall White Center pool also has prices set by the city council, a luxury Rush Funplex does not have. “We are not in the swimming business anyways,” Carpenter said, “but we are in business of helping low-income people.” What OWCAP does have is the support of Ogden City’s Fleet and Facilities Division, which has the know-how to fix a problem with the water heater or anything else. When the pool does not have enough lifeguards, OWCAP director Donald Carpenter said it has to be shut down. One of the biggest challenges is maintaining a full qualified staff of lifeguards, many of whom do not want to be trapped indoors once the summer months hit. OWCAP officials said the pool undergoes constant water testing, random health department visits and certification requirements for all staff and center employees. The pool was something the whole city was looking forward to, Baber said.īut operating a pool comes with specific challenges, which is something the Ogden Weber Community Action Partnership learned when it took over management of the Marshall White Center on behalf of Ogden City. “I like to lap swim over here with friends for exercise.” “I think this area right here and most of it is great for elementary age,” Baber said. Resident Sheri Baber comes about once a week with her family. Syracuse residents are glad to have a pool in their area as well. Whitaker said if equipment arrives in time, the team can hold swim meets at the Funplex as well. He also hopes the facility will allow the team to grow and improve. With the use of the Funplex, the team will not have to share swim lanes with other schools, giving the competitors more time in the water. “He (Gertge) has been gracious enough to allow us to use the pool for this purpose,” Whitaker said. Starting in October, the team will begin practicing at the Rush Funplex, Syracuse High swimming coach Nathan Whitaker said. It had to travel to the Clearfield Aquatic Center. To go for a dip, residents had to go out of town to places like the Cherry Hill water park or another city’s municipal pool.Įven the Syracuse High School swim team could not practice in town. Syracuse does not have its own swimming pool. “Our goal is to become a complete year-round fun place, something for everyone,” Gertge said, “not to be limited by the seasons and the weather.” People use the amusement center when it is cold outside, but stop coming when the weather gets warmer.īy diversifying, Gertge said the Funplex equalizes its peak seasons, allowing it to maintain staffing levels all year long. The pool also keeps the Rush Funplex viable during the summer months. “We have always asked our customers what can we do to make you want to come here and everyone said we really need an aquatic center in our city limits,” Gertge said. “Our goal was to create something so nice that you would be hard pressed to leave for entertainment.”Īlong with the original offerings including a bowling alley, snack bar and arcade, patrons can now enjoy batting cages, a golf course simulator and a go-kart track.īut more than glow in the dark bowling and mini golf, Syracuse residents really wanted a pool and the Rush Funplex owners delivered. “Syracuse people have been used to not staying home, they have to go elsewhere,” Gertge said. Gertge said he hopes residents can keep their entertainment dollars in Syracuse, and also draw in others from out of town. His family has the shopping center in which it stands, which also includes restaurants. Rush Funplex owner Ed Gertge said the Funplex is a family owned business. “The doors are really quite remarkable.”Īfter a year of planning and a year of renovations, Sparetime in Syracuse reopened as the Rush Funplex. “We can accommodate any sunshine-sunny day and keep the weather out if we have to,” said marketing director Selena Ward. When the weather permits, giant doors, 50 feet long by 20 feet high, sit open 90 degrees, allowing the outside to be inside. In the nearby pool, dedicated swimmers speed through their lane. SYRACUSE - Children wind through the lazy river on inner tubes, while others shoot out of the colorful water slides at the Rush Funplex,1806 S.
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