Those who regularly use Weirton’s public swimming pools probably aren’t going to have a great time over the next several months, but, hopefully, the lack of use this summer will be worth it when the reason for all of the planned closures is completed.

The Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation has taken up several improvement projects in recent years, many of them long overdue.

Among those is the effort to finally move forward on a replacement and rehabilitation of the Starvaggi Memorial Pool, which will include a new design officials feel will better serve the public for many years to come.

The hope had been to begin the renovations last fall, and have the new pool ready to open for the upcoming summer season. Issues with costs, design, and available funding caused some additional delays on a project that has been discussed for well over a decade now. As a result, the earliest actual construction can now begin is late July.

To fit in with the new schedule, the Park Board has opted to open Memorial Day weekend, as they traditionally do, but have a shortened swim season, with the pool closing around July 13.

Another effort is the ongoing work to rehabilitate the south wall at the Millsop Community Center. This project is in its third, and officials promise, last, phase, but the work remaining will necessitate the temporary closure of the community center’s pool.

Closures may last for only a few hours, or for several days, depending on the work needed, but it will mean there are times where the pool is unavailable.

It’s not an ideal situation for anyone, but, at the end of it all, it will mean safer and more comfortable environments for everyone who uses these pools, ensuring they are there for years to come.