Sentinel File Photo. Rec Park Pool in Lewistown will open May 31.
LEWISTOWN — Borough Council stands behind a new effort to revitalize Rec Park Pool, focusing on the addition of an advanced water slide — a feature repeatedly requested by community members.
The “Pool Waves & Local Faves” fundraising event, scheduled for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 31, marks the pool’s opening day for the season while generating support for planned improvements.
“Rec Park Pool has been a cherished part of our community for generations–a place where memories are made, friendships are built, and families come together during the warm summer months,” said Brittany Hall, event organizer.
The May 31 event coincides with the pool’s opening day and offers numerous attractions, including 11 food, dessert, and beverage trucks, a petting zoo, pony rides, over 50 small business vendors, Zumba dancing, music, a touch-a-truck area, and a basket raffle.
Admission to the event itself is free, though some activities require small fees. Regular pool admission ($5 per person) applies for those wishing to swim, with an additional inflatable water slide available on pool grounds for $2 per person for all-day use.
A car cruise-in organized by Cynnamon Strohecker and Mary Bowers will run at the Rec Park Community Center during the event. Registration runs from 11 a.m. to noon, with entry by donation benefiting the pool fund. A people’s choice award will be presented at 3 p.m. to the car with the most votes.
The fundraising continues on June 1 with a cornhole tournament at the Rec Park Community Center. Stars & Stripes Cornhole of Central PA will manage the competition, featuring a blind draw format and a guaranteed $800 prize pool. Registration and warm-ups begin at noon, with play starting at 1 p.m. The entry fee is $20 per person, with pre-registration available via Scoreholio ( though not required.
The tournament includes raffle baskets open to the public, 50/50 drawings, a “last man standing” airmail challenge, and sit-and-go games. Food will be available for purchase during the tournament.
Hall emphasized the community had specifically requested an advanced water slide through a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources feasibility study and community survey. The Borough Council then dedicated resources to preserve and enhance the community pool.
“Today’s Borough Council has made a strong commitment not to keep Rec Park Pool open, but to help it thrive once again,” Hall said. “Council members have invested significant time and effort into ensuring the pool becomes a vibrant gathering space once more — a destination where friends and families want to spend their summer days.”
The fundraising efforts arrive as community pools nationwide face increasing financial pressure and closures. Hall noted Lewistown aims to counteract this trend through state and federal grants while exploring options to reduce economic impact on residents.
“Events like the one scheduled for May 31 and June 1 play a role in helping offset the costs associated with these enhancements,” Hall said. “By participating, you’re not enjoying a great community event, you’re directly supporting the future of Rec Park Pool.”
Various community organizations have volunteered to run children’s activities at the May 31 event. Local EMS will provide vehicles for the touch-a-truck area, and several businesses have donated items for basket raffles at both events.
“We hope the community comes out in full force to help support the pool, along with the numerous small businesses in attendance. It will be a fun-filled day for all,” Hall said.
In case of rain on May 31, the event will move to June 1.
Parking will be available in the main lot, the grassy area beside the community center, the upper parking lot, and street parking areas.
For more information, Hall directs interested parties to the “Pool Waves & Local Faves” Facebook event page. Those wishing to contribute donations can contact Katelyn Rauch at krauch@lewistownborough.com.
“Together, we can ensure Rec Park Pool remains a fun, safe, and welcoming place for generations to come,” Hall said.
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