LA GRANGE, Ky. (WDRB) --  The Oldham County Aquatic Center reopened Saturday for the first time in two and a half years.

Hundreds of people took full advantage of opening day as every direction you looked someone was having fun.

"It's feels absolutely incredible to have people here," Rachel Baines, the Oldham County Aquatic supervisor, said. "Being able to see it run and being able to see all of the lifeguards and all of the staff here, it's a dream come true."

Baines grew up at the John W. Black Aquatic Center. For her, it brings back a lot of memories.

"I was one of the kids that made sure everything was clean at the pool. And then, eventually, I had to grow up be the lifeguard; and then now, I just can't get out of pools," Baines said.

For years, her father kept it running.

"This was such a huge pool," Baines said. "Seeing it fall apart when I first started as a supervisor, it was hard. It was really hard because I couldn't give back to the community that raised me."

In 2020, it closed for the pandemic. Then, in 2021, it reopened but it needed repairs.

"What wasn't wrong with it? That's what I say," Gary Parsons, the Oldham County parks director, said. "It did not hold water. Every pipe leaked. Every pipe in the pump room leaked. It was in bad shape. If we didn't have water running 24/7 It would drop a foot and a half overnight."

So, the county closed it in 2022. Until this weekend, it sat empty.

"It's really fun to be here on a day where pretty much everyone is here, and they can experience everything new," Jaxon Breckenridge, who spent Saturday swimming with friends, said.

The new windy slide, diving boards, and rock wall are all thanks to the Oldham County Fiscal court.

"It's excellent. It's a dream that's really come true as bad as the pool was beforehand," Parsons said. "To get to this point is, is pretty awesome."

Lucy Gowin brought her grandson back. She loves seeing more space and activities for the kids.

"It is a great thing, and look at the crowd -- that's really nice," Gowin said.

Crews worked up until the last minute to pull it together for Memorial Day Weekend.

Oldham County Aquatic Center

Oldham County Aquatic Center under construction in 2022 and 2023.

In total, the project cost $3.7 million.

"Being able to see it run and being able to see all of the lifeguards and all of the staff here, it's a dream come true," Baines said. "That was what we were trying to get done, and seeing it fulfilled, it feels good."

If you can't make it this weekend, you have plenty of opportunities this summer. The pool is open seven days a week.

It's open on Sundays between 1-6 p.m. and Monday through Saturday from 12-7 p.m.

There is a 10-minute break on the hour. Adults 18 and older may continue swimming.

Admission is required to enter the pool. It costs $7 plus tax if you are between the ages of 3 and 12. It costs $9 plus tax if you are between the age of 13 and 59. It's $5 plus tax if you are 60 and older.

There are also season pool passes. You'll also want to pay in cash to avoid a credit card fee. For more information, call (502) 225-0656.

The concession stand only accepts cash.

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