By Barbara Yoresh
Entertainment writer
VERO BEACH - It's going to be the coolest party of the summer season.
The Gifford Aquatic Center is hosting a day of fun for the entire family with an end of summer "Back to School Splash" event on Saturday, Aug. 22 at 10 a.m.
The swim facility, located at 4895 43rd Ave. in Vero Beach, may be the county's best-kept secret that event organizers and center staffers want to share with everyone.
Located adjacent to the Gifford Youth Activity Center, the pool complex is the result of the efforts and philanthropy of community activists, including members of the Progressive League of Gifford and the Johns Island Foundation that recognized the need for a swim training facility for the Gifford neighborhood.
The Gifford Aquatic Center's main purpose has been teaching pool safety and swimming courses to youngsters and residents who subsequently enjoy the pool's recreational amenities.
Constructed in large part through donated funds, the aquatic center opened in 2001 and boasts a walk-in activity pool and children's spray/play deck, as well as a water slide.
The 100-foot by 75-foot heated pool features a zero-depth entry, which deepens at the far end to about 5 feet.
Six lanes are designated for lap swimmers and the 178,500-gallon pool can host about 150 swimmers.
The Gifford Aquatic Center operates under the auspices of the Indian River County Recreation Department and is managed by Larry Staley.
The "Back to School Splash" gives youngsters and families a final summer fling before the onset of school.
This year's event is a cooperative venture planned and hosted by center staff and the Gifford Pool Committee, a group of volunteers dedicated to promoting the center's facilities to the public.
According to Mr. Staley, the purpose of the annual end-of-summer party is two-fold.
"It gives kids something of a big boost as they go back to school. And by having the Splash, the Gifford Aquatic Center gets exposure and lets folks know it's here for use," Mr. Staley said.
Use of the pool is crucial, Mr. Staley said, because county budgetary cut-backs threaten to close the pool for increasingly extended periods during the cooler months.
"We're trying to educate people and let them know we need them to patronize the pool. Revenue generation and attendance are important. If you don't use it, you're going to lose it," Mr. Staley noted.
The "Back to School Splash" party is touted as a day of "fun, food and folly" for families.
Admission is $1 in advance and $1.50 on the day of the event at the door. Food concession items will also be available for purchase at $2.50 for a combo meal of hot dog, chips and soda; $1.50 for a hot dog and chips and sodas at 50 cents each.
All proceeds from the event will go toward scholarships for youngsters and other pool support programs.
Because back to school is an expensive time for parents trying to clothe and equip returning students, the party is also accepting new or gently used school uniforms for middle-school students.
Anyone wishing to make a tax-deductible donation to the event is asked to make checks payable to: the Progressive Civic League of Gifford, which is a 501-3c organization.
Benefactors may also purchase tickets for youngsters who cannot afford admission to the event.
All donations and checks may be brought to the Gifford Aquatic Center any weekday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The public is invited to attend, enjoy the food and festivities and help support efforts to keep the Gifford Aquatic Center open.
For more information, to buy advance admission tickets or to make a donation, call Larry Staley at (772) 770-5312.