It’s been a team and community effort from the start.

Which is why it’s only fitting that the employees who helped shape it into what it’s become receive their just due.

Employees of the Northern Lehigh Swimming Pool in Slatington were recognized recently with a party at the facility.

Pool manager Chad Groover said there was a bounce house, campfire S’mores, tie-dyeing shirts and games.

“It’s been a really good summer just because they’ve been such good employees,” Groover said. “With the pool being closed for so long, we kind of made that pool what we wanted it to be because there was no prior climate or culture.”

The pool opened earlier this summer for the first time since 2020.

Groover said the pool has since taken on its own identity.

“It’s a summer job, and summer’s supposed to be fun; they’ve just been an awesome group of kids,” he said.

The pool has 23 employees, the majority of whom are Northern Lehigh High School students, along with two Parkland High School and one Northampton High School student.

“This group of kids, they fight each other for hours,” Groover said. “For 95% of them, it’s their first job.”

Peyton Hoffman, who will be a junior at Northern Lehigh High School, said she’s “very grateful to be recognized.”

“I’ve loved giving back to my community while working here,” said Peyton, 16. “It has been so much fun working at the pool.

“It’s a great environment, and everyone is so friendly and welcoming,” she said. “I enjoy meeting new people, and watching the kids have a lot fun.”

Matthew Miller, who will be a junior at Northern Lehigh High School, said he’s “very appreciative of the end of season party, and think it was very thoughtful, and want to thank everyone who donated to it.”

“It’s been a very positive experience working at the pool this summer,” said Matthew, 16. “Everyone is always in a good mood, and treats each other with respect.”

Matthew added that it’s a responsibility he takes great pride in.

“My favorite thing would probably be the work environment, and being able to see the pool be successful, and see what it will become over the next few years,” he said. “Thank you for giving me this opportunity as a first job, and learning life saving and lifeguard skills.”

Kylee Snyder, who will be a sophomore at Northern Lehigh High School, said “I love that the staff is being recognized for the work we have put in at the pool this summer. Most have put a lot of time in and it is now being celebrated and recognized.

“Some have worked hard to help get the pool up and running this year, and the staff is always making sure it’s an enjoyable place,” said Kylee, 15. “Everyone here works hard, and I’m glad we now get to celebrate it this summer.”

Groover said the Northern Lehigh Recreation Authority took over from the Northern Lehigh Swimming Pool Association.

He said that the pool was closed since 2020 largely in part to the pandemic, but also because of the plaster lining on the bottom of the pool chipping off.

Groover said the pool association received a $250,000 state grant to help pay for repairs.

Groover said that as of now, the pool will only be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

He said Labor Day will be the pool’s final regular day of service for the season.

However, Groover said the pool will hold a special Bring Your Dog Night from 4-7 p.m. Sept. 5. Prices for non-members will be $6 for adults and $4 for children under 17 and seniors. The entrance fee for dogs is a donation of your choosing. All donations will be given to the Sanctuary at Haafsville (thesanctuarypa.org).