Although there is rain in the forecast for tonight, management of the Lansford Pool along with members of the Parks and Recreation Board have bright prospects for this summer's pool season, which officially opens tomorrow at noon.

A lot of hard work has gone into making improvements to the only pool in the Panther Valley area and management wants all of Panther Valley to come out and enjoy it together."We're proud of the improvements," said Parks and Recreation Chairwoman Gwyn Collevechio.Both pools have been acid and power washed to remove all of the old paint before receiving a new coat of paint.The kiddie pool even features a large, smiling sun face painted on the pool floor by pool manager Mary Ann Krajnak and Lisa Hiles.Youth from the juvenile probation program have also worked hard painting the floor of the concession stand, replacing fixtures and raked and removed approximately 80 bags of leaves.A security system is being set up and management hopes to have Wi-Fi capability by August.The concession stand will be operated by pool staff and concession manager Frank Karnish has a tempting menu for hungry patrons.In addition to the typical burgers, dogs and fries, Karnish plans to have daily specials such as halushki, halupki, pasta salad and more.Wings, fresh fruits, ice cream, nachos along with other tempting treats are also on the menu for the summer.Benches at the concession stand have also been painted and umbrellas will be purchased so that the public can take a respite from the sun and enjoy their meals while sitting in the shade.The pool has a large outdoor pavilion that can be rented for parties. A local woman has volunteered to paint black and white murals of miners on the walls and once completed, the pavilion will be dubbed the Miners Pavilion.There is an indoor area that is also available for party rentals.Water aerobics classes will once again be held this year and will run Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon.Swim lessons are slated to be held later in the summer as well.A take out BBQ chicken dinner will be held on June 30 to raise funds to help keep the pool in tiptop shape. Tickets must be purchased in advance.Collevechio noted that she would like to thank members of the Lansford Borough Council for working with the Recreation Board to "truly make the Lansford pool a great place to be."The Lansford Pool is open daily from noon to 7 p.m.