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Polk commissioners approve lease with YMCA

COLUMBUS—The Gibson Park Pool officially opened Friday and the county officially signed a lease with the YMCA this week. 

Commissioners met Monday and approved a lease with the YMCA of Greater Spartanburg to run the recreation programs, including the pool, summer camp and sports programs. 

Commissioners heard briefly from county attorney Jana Berg regarding the lease agreement before approving. 

The pool opened this week for open swim lessons only, then had a grand opening on Friday from noon-5 p.m. 

Public swim hours are available Saturday and Sunday afternoon and adult only lap swims begin Monday from 8-10 a.m. 

Polk County decided earlier this year to partner with the YMCA to run its recreation programs. 

The lease agreement includes that the county will allow the YMCA to use its facilities until and if the YMCA decides in the future to construct its own facility. 

The county agrees to allow the YMCA to lease one room with office space and storage at Stearns Gym; the classrooms, art room and gym at Stearns Gym for summer day camp; Stearns Gym for youth sports year round; Gibson Park Pool; Searcy Field and the county’s recreation complex at the middle school. The county included in the lease that the county will also have access to its facilities as needed.