One ‘Last Splash’: Cary Park District to hold farewell party for Community Center Pool

For 40 years, Cary Community Center Pool has been a place for families to gather and make memories.

The pool, however, is set to permanently close later this year, replaced by a new aquatic facility at Cary-Grove Park.

Residents will get a chance to say a final goodbye during Cary Park District’s “Last Splash” Community Center Pool Farewell Party, which will take place 12:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 4 at the pool, 255 Briargate Road.

This will be the final Saturday the pool will be open before it closes on Labor Day, said Katie Hughes, Cary Park District’s director of communications and marketing.

Construction of the new facility is currently underway, and it is set to open in 2022.

Plans for the new center include a leisure pool with zero-depth entry, a variety of slides and water play features, a current channel and a lap pool with diving boards, a climbing wall and eight 25-yard lanes. Other amenities include deck and lawn chairs, shade sails, locker rooms, concessions and a party room.

“It’s kind of bittersweet,” Hughes said.

While park district employees are excited about the new facility, there’s also some sadness about the closure of the community pool.

“It has served the community well, and there’s a lot of memories that have been made here among people that have learned to swim here for the first time or have worked at the pool as their first job,” Hughes said. “It’s been a nice gathering space for people to relax in the summer.”

After Cary Community Center Pool closes, it will be removed and the site will be returned back to turf grass. It will still be considered park district property and will remain open space until the parks board decides what they’d like to do with it, Hughes said.

During the Sept. 4 farewell party, attendees can expect music played by a DJ, a funnel cake truck where they can purchase treats, and raffles, according to a news release.

Raffle prizes include a ride to school on a fire truck for a student and their friend, a $50 Mary Kay shopping spree, a family photography package, a platter of cookies and a round of golf at Foxford Hills Golf Club.

Tickets are on sale now at the Community Center, and are priced at $1 for one ticket, seven for $5, and 12 for $10. All raffle proceeds will go toward Cary Park Foundation swim scholarships at the new Outdoor Aquatic Facility.

The first 50 people who arrive to the party at 12:30 p.m. and the first 50 people who arrive at 4 p.m. will receive a cookie giveaway, according to the release.

Information on the “Last Splash” party and the new Outdoor Aquatic Center can be found at carypark.com.