Oppressive heat generates attendance booms at community pools.

As temperatures boiled into the mid-90-degree mark over the past two days, the Palmerton Memorial Pool was a hotbed destination for over 3,000 visitors who took the plunge into their backyard sanctuary.Attendance had already swelled to 1,350 visitors a mere one-and-a-half hours after the pool opened on Thursday, according to Susan Arner, president of Pool Pals of Palmerton Memorial Park.Resident Joe Uhnak said its days such as these where the pool is a safe haven for visitors to relax and enjoy their day."I couldn't wait to come to the pool today," Uhnak said.As visitors frolicked from one end of the pool to the other, Arner said 2,243 season membership passes had been sold to date.Swimming lessons continue to be offered at the pool, said Arner, who added the facility will soon provide free Wi-Fi hot spot service.Pool hours are from noon to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays, and 1-8 p.m. Sundays. The daily admission price is $7 for adults, and $5 for students.Special events on tap include the annual Fun Day on July 1, Christmas in July Celebration July 15, and Old-timers Day July 29.For more information, call (610) 826-5357, or visit

www.palmertonpool.com.