The launch of a large fiberglass fish slide, along with the dedication of a picnic bench and park bench, will highlight opening day at the Lehighton Pool.

The pool is scheduled to open for the season on Saturday, and there is no admittance fee that day, according to Mark Hoffman, president of the Lehighton Area Pool Pals."Thanks to those who support the Pool Pals and their fundraising efforts, along with the generosity of businesses such as Blue Ridge Pressure Casting, the Fraternal Order Orioles, Thrivent Financial and Horsehead Corporation, to name a few. The Pool Pals are eagerly looking forward to opening day to officially launch the recently purchased large fiberglass fish slide," Hoffman said. "This slide replaces the deteriorated palm tree, and is something the younger patrons of the pool are sure to enjoy."Along with the fish slide, Hoffman said the Pool Pals will also dedicate the picnic bench and park bench to the memory of Lyle Christopher.Christopher was a lifetime member of the Pool Pals, and held the position of secretary for many years, said Hoffman, who noted that the money for the park bench and picnic bench was donated in Christopher's memory by his friends and family.Hoffman said there will also be a park bench dedicated in memory of Lawrence "Skip" Conarty, a gift of the Lehighton Fire Company. Conarty was also a lifetime Pool Pal member, he said.He said dates when admission will be reduced are June 23, July 7, July 21, Aug. 4 and Aug. 14, when admission will be $3 for both children and adults, Hoffman said.Trinity Lutheran Church of Lehighton has already stepped forward, offering to be a sponsor for one or more of these reduced price days, said Hoffman, who added the Pool Pals are hoping other businesses or professionals step forward to help with some of the other days.On July 1, the Pool Pals, in conjunction with Trinity Lutheran Church and the Lehighton Downtown Initiative group, will be hosting their annual "Family Fun Day."However, this year, the event will be held during the day, from noon to 5 p.m. The hours were changed this year to support Lehighton's Sesquicentennial celebration.In recognition of Lehighton's 150-year anniversary, admission for Family Fun Day will be $1.50 for both adults and children for anyone not having a season ticket.Stevie Ray has volunteered to take on the DJ duties for the day. There will be lots of games, prizes and activities throughout the day, as well as 150 hot dogs and bottles of water being given away. The day will reach its grand finale with the release of 150 goldfish in the baby pool.