PHOTOS: Pattullo Swim Center reopens with beautiful redone pool and big party.

One of Seaside's gems—a partly undiscovered gem at that—has gained a lot of luster. 

Pattullo Swim Center, across Wheeler Street from the better known city hub Oldemeyer Center, celebrates its refurbishment and reopening with a free party tomorrow.

The 1-4:30pm Saturday, March 5, affair (at 1148 Wheeler St., Seaside) will include a 1:30-4pm rec swim, raffles, music, games, prizes, jump houses (weather permitting) and—yes—a dunk-a-lifeguard booth (also weather permitting). 

Senior Lifeguard Heidi Vickery has been among staff members basking in the enthusiasm of its return.

"Everyone's excited," she says from her perch on the lifeguard chair. "I think they appreciate the facility as a whole more." 

Seaside resident Yoko Goltiao has been swimming there for more than six years.

"The remodel is very nice," she says. "It's the most beautiful pool on the Peninsula."

The facility was long a treasured resource for families, kids, swimmers and seniors. Now the two-month-long overhaul has replaced the main drain and faulty piping beneath the 50-meter main pool and resurfaced both that and the smaller warm pool next to it. The tile was power-scrubbed to the point it looks brand new too.  

Recreation Supervisor Dan Meewis helped see the $200,000+ project through.

"The pool looked pretty bad there for a while," he says. "It's just nice knowing it's clean, looks great, and gives people a nice fresh pool."

Recreation Services staffer Leanne Lacy was among those greeting regulars as they returned this week.

"Welcome back Mel," she said, addressing one of those she knows by name, which would be pretty much everyone.

"I need the pool," Marina senior Mel Ashley replied.

"I'm happy to see all the swimmers back," she said with a smile. "Our pool has a special little community."

It also presents great value. Seniors, military and children from Seaside swim for $3.50, adults $5.50 (it's $.50-$1 for nonresidents). Those with monthly memberships get sharp discounts.

New Sunday adult lap swim hours (8-9:45am) are part of the reopening.

Normal hours for lap swims: 11:15am-2pm weekdays, until 1pm Saturday and 5:30-7pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Seniors rule the pool Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10-11am.

Recreation, or family, swim happens 7:15-9pm Friday, 1:30-4pm Saturday, 10-11:45am Sunday.

A raft of swimming and other exercise courses are also offered.

899-6815 for more information.