|
|
Photo by Alex McVeigh
Customers swim laps under the watch of the lifeguard at the Zembiec Pool, which was recently renovated and opened March 1. |
|
|
The Henderson Hall skyline has become a bit more crowded in recent months, as the previously outdoor pool is now an ‘‘indoor pool.” Zembiec Pool re-opened March 1 to provide the community with year-round pool access and improved facilities. There is a white plastic bubble over the pool now, which allows it to be used during cold weather.
The pool building is located on Northeast Road, across the street from Marine Family Services. The building itself has been completely renovated including new restroom facilities.
The bubble will most likely be taken off this summer, so the customers can enjoy the normal pool experience, and it will be put back on sometime around Labor Day for winter use.
‘‘We’re going to see how well our summer programs do, and try and carry over the popular ones into the winter,” said Laura Guthrie, assistant manager at Zembiec pool. ‘‘We’re also working on getting new equipment.”
Customers have flocked to the pool since it’s opening, because it’s hard to get in pool time during the winter.
‘‘It’s a great place to come in and grab a swim,” said Capt. Matt Quinn, who works at the Navy Annex.
Henderson Hall command hopes the community will take advantage of the pool for fitness and recreation.
‘‘We wanted the Marines to have a pool they can use year-round for training, or whatever they need,” Guthrie said.
The pool was named after Marine Maj. Douglas A. Zembiec, who served in the Marines for 12 years before he was killed in action in Iraq in May 2007. Zembiec served four tours of duty in Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq, and he participated in the Battle of Fallujah as a rifle company commander.
He was awarded a Silver Star, Bronze Star with Combat Distinguishing Device and two Purple Hearts for his heroic actions during the battle.
Currently the pool is on winter hours, which are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It is also open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5:30 p.m. Anyone who is eligible to use Smith Gym can use the pool.
For more information about the pool and what it offers, contact Guthrie at laura.guthrie@usmc.mil, or manager Matthew Jongema at matthew.jongema@usmc.mil, or call the pool at (703) 693-7351.
E-Mail This Article
Print This Story