Manatee County Celebrates Memorial Day With A New Pool

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — For months, neighbors and drivers passing by on U.S. 41 have watched the colorful features of the New Lincoln Aquatic Center come to life. The project has been a source of curiosity as the pool-and-water-playground went from dream to drawing board to reality.

Now this Memorial Day weekend, Manatee County officials will unveil the brand new multi-million dollar facility.

Limited space will allow 100 guests at a time in the pool area for two-hour sessions from 9-11 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., and 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 28; Sunday, May 29; and Monday, May 30.

Families can reserve a spot for any of those two-hour sessions here: mymanatee.org/makeasplash.

There is a limit of four guests per reservation, and a parent or guardian (at least 18 years old) must accompany guests under 13 years of age. All guests 12 and under will be given a swim test. The test includes demonstrating the ability to put their face in the water (at least once) while swimming across the width of the pool and floating on their back.

Pool fees will be waived over the Memorial Day weekend as the pool complex welcomes guests for the first time.

“We are really proud of this facility,” said Parks and Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker. “We can’t wait to see the smiles on the faces of the kids and families having fun here.”

Along with the test-splash sessions at the Lincoln Aquatic Center, the opening weekend will also feature food-trucks, family-friendly exhibitors, and an inflatable bounce house.

“We are committed to making all of our county amenities world class,” said Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes. “This is another great example of how we continue to honor that commitment.”