[StBernard] St. Bernard State Park pool is open for summer

[Westley Annis]

St. Bernard State Park pool is open for summer

Published: Thursday, May 31, 2012, 7:00 AM

 By Rhonda Lee Richoux 

With children out of school for the summer and temperatures beginning to
soar well into the 90s, it's a great time to visit the St. Bernard State
Park pool in Braithwaite. Open since Memorial Day weekend, the pool gives
St. Bernard residents and visitors a safe, fun and inexpensive way to beat
the heat and kick back and relax a little.

The Olympic-size pool graduates from 4 feet at its shallowest depth to 13
feet, and an 18-inch-deep wading pool is available in its own gated area for
the little ones.

The pools are supervised by certified lifeguards during operating hours, but
flotation vests are recommended for children and adults who do not swim
well.

Bathing suits are required; T-shirts may be worn over a bathing suit, but
cut-offs or denim shorts are not allowed in the pool.

Hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
The pool, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, will remain open until mid-August,
according to Tony Hall, park manager.

The cost to swim is $2 per person, per day. Infants under 2 years old are
admitted to the pool area at no cost.

Michael Von Bieberstien, a law enforcement ranger at the park, said the
pools are cleaned on a daily basis, and chemical treatments are done on the
days the pools are closed.

In addition to the pools, the 356-acre park located at 501 St. Bernard
Parkway, also boasts a picnic area with shaded tables and benches near the
pool, and an additional picnic area complete with bathrooms and a
playground. There also are sheltered areas available with barbecue pits in
some areas.

The park is open year-round to campers and features more than 50 campsites
with a centrally located laundry facility and comfort station.

Hall said campsites can be rented for $26 for the first night, and $20 per
each additional night and include water and electric hookups.

Admission to visit the park just for the day is free, he said.

So if you're looking for something fun and inexpensive to do with the family
this summer, take advantage of this beautiful recreational area right here
in our own back yard.

For more information about the park and all of its amenities, call Hall at
504.682.2101.

Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.