Count the Lehighton Area Pool Pals among those who can’t wait to trade in their shovels for rays of sun.

Like many, the group has spent the majority of this month shoveling away following one storm after another.

Now, the group has its sights set on building a 30-foot by 30-foot pavilion at Baer Memorial Swimming Pool.

“The idea of the pavilion came about after receiving feedback from patrons of the pool asking for a place to duck out of the direct rays of the sun on summer’s warmest days,” said Mark Hoffman, chairman of the Lehighton Area Pool Pals. “The pavilion will also provide another location to host parties and celebrations as the repercussions from this COVID virus begin to wane.”

Hoffman said the community rallied to make the pavilion a reality.

“The Pool Pals want everyone to know the construction of the pavilion would not be possible without the outpouring of support they have and continue to receive from individuals, businesses, churches and corporations,” he said. “This support is a true reflection of what Lehighton’s “community” pool really is and the many benefits it offers to our town and surrounding areas.”

Similar to the existing 21-foot by 30-foot pavilion, Hoffman said the new larger pavilion will be a joint effort between the Pool Pals and the borough.

Hoffman said the borough will handle the installation of the concrete pad and supplying electric to the pavilion. The Pool Pals will cover the cost of the remaining structure.

“Any individual or company donating a minimum of $250 toward the cost of the pavilion will receive their name engraved on a plaque that will be permanently and proudly displayed in the new pavilion,” he said.

Recognizing one of its own

Along with planning for the pavilion, Hoffman said the Pool Pals have also updated their summer event schedule to include a summer fun event tribute/celebration honoring lifetime Pool Pals member Linda Schoenberger, who died earlier this month.

The event will be held from 7-10 p.m. July 24. More information will be shared as the day gets closer and final details have been completed.

Hoffman said the Pool Pals are hoping for a strong community turnout in memory of Schoenberger to hopefully set the stage for an ongoing annual “win-win event.”

“Knowing how much Linda meant to not only the Pool Pals but to anyone whose life she touched, the Pool Pals wanted to do something special to make sure the countless hours she volunteered for the benefit of others could be carried on,” he said. “The money raised at this event will be held in a separate account used to defray the cost of season tickets for those requiring assistance. It will be just a small way that Linda can keep on giving.”

Hoffman said the Pool Pals are considering making the “Linda Schoenberger” night an annual event.

“This would be their way of honoring Linda for the foreseeable future,” he said. “Each year her legacy would live on by helping to defray the cost of season tickets for those who, otherwise, would not have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful pool.”

Season tickets

To receive the greatest discount on season tickets for the 2021 pool season, Hoffman said tickets need to be purchased by Sunday.

The next discount period will run from March 1 to April 30.

Hoffman said the official opening day of Baer Memorial Swimming Pool will be May 29.

That information, along with this year’s pool flyer may be found by accessing the borough’s website, www.lehightonborough.com, and then clicking on Parks and Recreation.