By LEIGH C. MERRIFIELD
News & Journal Editor
While warmer than normal temperatures have been prevalent in our area well into December, 2016 has brought a rather frosty nip to our air! And while it IS the winter season, Shinnston’s Community Development Director Reuben Perdue says that it is NOT too early to begin thinking about summer activities … the park, pool and pavilions!
“The Shinnston swimming pool is seeking employees for the 2016 season which include lifeguards and office/concession stand workers. Both high school and college students look for summer jobs, but they often wait too late! For those interested in being lifeguards, NOW is the time to start preparing,” Perdue stated.
Especially for those who might be interested in a lifeguarding position, winter is actually the best time to start the process. Some specific training courses are involved which take several hours to complete, and, according to Perdue, these classes are held during the winter months. So waiting until spring may be too late to complete the required certification.
Lifeguards are required to be certified in lifeguarding, CPR, and AED operation. And now is the time to begin taking steps to get that. Something has changed, though.
Perdue noted that lifeguards used to be reimbursed for their certifications at the end of the year, but students are often unable to afford the class since first-time certification costs run approximately $250-$275 out of pocket.
“What the City is doing this year is to pay for these courses up front with qualifications set to ensure that the guards will then stick with us during the season. So they will no longer have to wait for reimbursement,” he noted.
The city also provides a uniform and a t-shirt for each guard. For other benefits of the job or to begin the application process, those interested should contact Reuben Perdue at 304-592-5631 or e-mail development@ shinnstonwv.com.
And, believe it or not, January 4th was the first day to book park pavilions and the pool for parties or special events. While you may think that the recent chilly weather might not be conducive to thoughts of pools and picnics, think again! Perdue said that he took 15 reservations on that first booking day! Most, he said, were for pavilion events; however, within the next couple of months, pool party reservations will fill up as well.
Four pavilions are available to rent at Ferguson Memorial Park. The large pavilion at the top of the park next to the upper playground and bocce courts rents for $70 a day. The three small pavilions throughout the park are each available for $60 a day.
Pool rental rates will remain the same as in 2015. A two-hour private party will cost $150; a three-hour party is $200. An additional fee of $50 is required to have the water slide available during your party.
You can check available dates by visiting the City’s website (www.shinnstonwv.com). Look at the pool and pavilion calendars located under the “parks and recreation” tab. Necessary rental agreements can also be downloaded there; check for these under the “documents” section. Or make a reservation by contacting Perdue at 304-592-5631.
