Touting the many positive attributes of the City of Kingfisher, Vernie Snow Aquatic Center Project Manager Richard Greene spoke to Lions Club members at a recent meeting about the extensive renovation and reopening of the pool facility.

A longtime friend of City Manager Jim Thomas, Greene came out of retirement at the beginning of the year to take on the project of restoring the aquatic center to its former glory and bring patrons back to enjoy the multi-million dollar facility.

As an outsider, Greene said when he arrived he took time to explore the city and discovered “you folks think you live in a wonderful town, but I’m going to tell you, you live in an amazing town.”

Taking a moment to refresh people’s minds about the town’s many great features, Greene spoke of the beautiful trails around the city, the Chisholm Trail Museum and Governor Seay Mansion, Jesse Chisholm statue, birthplace of Sam Walton, TG&Y and Coleman Lanterns, AMBUCS Playground of Dreams, Homier Field, one of the best maintained golf courses in Oklahoma, Briscoe Sports Complex and various other amenities.

A fan of Sam Walton, Greene said, “You have a giant bust of Sam Walton… it’s the coolest thing.

“Nobody in America has a bust of Sam Walton at their Walmart, but Kingfi sher does.”

Another amazing facility the city boasts, Greene said is the Vernie Snow Aquatic Center and the citizens have invested a large amount of money in the pool for it to not be in the condition it was when he arrived three months ago.

In its 25 years of operation, Greene said citizens have invested approximately $7 million tax dollars in the aquatic center, but with the change of leadership through the years, the pool “had lost its champion” and neglect had occurred.

“I’m here to tell you, I’m the new champion for that pool,” he said.

Not pinpointing blame on anyone, Greene said there were many mechanical and safety issues which needed to be addressed.

Some of those things included removing the old plaster surface and recoating it, repairing the exhaust and air movement system, the water heating system, diving board issues, fire suppression system, getting the mushroom fountain back in operation and various other things.

Comparing the swimming pool to other big machines which require fine tuning to operate properly, Greene said, “It’s a $7 million machine that needs maintenance.”

When maintenance is deferred, Greene added, at a minimum, it will cost four times more at a later date.

The city has invested $250,000 to reenergize the pool, Greene said, and he’s committed to making it “a shiny penny again.”

One caveat, he added, is that people will have to use it or lose it once it’s returned to a condition that is safe, enjoyable and well maintained.

Another aspect Greene discussed is the work he’s doing with the 17 lifeguards on staff to instill pride and ownership in the pool.

“They are doing yeoman’s work, scrubbing, painting and cleaning,” Greene added.

With much of the work completed, Greene said he’s been testing the water and the pool will soon reopen, bringing in groups slowly, testing the water and making adjustments as needed.

A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned in early May and a “Big Splash” grand reopening Saturday, May 25, at the rebranded K-town Kove, Greene said.

Also, pool party reservations are now being taken again, Greene said.

Although the city has funded the mechanical aspects of the renovation, Greene said some other things still needed are lifeguard stands, a rack for life vests and senior stairs.

“I’m committed to returning the pool to a safe environment,” Greene said. “All the mechanics are working, it’s an enjoyable temperature and the air movement is working well.

“It’s a place where people and families can come back and have some fun… too much money’s been invested in it to let it go.”

The aquatic center is something the citizens of Kingfisher should be able to take pride in, Greene said.

“The pool is back and is going to be added to all the other amazing, wonderful things you have in Kingfi sher.”