It’s been several long years.

So, excuse the Northern Lehigh community if it appears they’re taking a little longer than usual to bask in the sun and soak up the rays.

On a hot and balmy Friday afternoon, patrons crowded the Northern Lehigh Swimming Pool in Slatington, which is open for the first time since 2020.

The Northern Lehigh Recreation Authority took over from the Northern Lehigh Swimming Pool Association, according to pool manager Chad Groover.

Groover said that the pool was closed since 2020 largely in part to the pandemic, but also because of the plaster lining on the bottom of the pool chipping off.

He said the pool association received a $250,000 state grant to help pay for repairs. The grant was secured by state Rep. Zach Mako and former state Sen. Pat Browne.

Legislators announced in October that they were able to secure another $150,000 to complete the repairs and renovations to the pool.

“The fundraising committee did a bunch of fundraising and got the financial backing,” Groover said. “It was a fight.”

Groover said the pool area has been spruced up.

“It’s the entire staff,” he said. “We have a great group of kids.”

Bryce Nance, 13, and Mackenzie Norwicco, 14, of Slatington, spent the day swimming in the pool.

“It’s a good time for us,” said Bryce, who will be an eighth-grade student at Northern Lehigh Middle School. “The lifeguards and the manager are great people.”

Mackenzie, who will be a freshman at Northern Lehigh High School, added “it’s a nice place to go to see some friends.”

Across the way, Wesley Bachman, 9, of Slatington, who will be a fourth-grader at Slatington Elementary, was busy doing cannonballs and all other kinds of stunts off the diving board.

His dad, Josh Ruch, of Slatington, said the fact that the pool is open is a welcome addition.

“It’s a great place to have the kids here and a have a good time over the summer,” Ruch said.

Groover said membership has been steady.

“It’s been outstanding,” Groover said. “It’s been a real community effort.”

Groover said the pool is open seven days a week from noon to 7 p.m.

He said the price of admission is $12 for adults and veterans, and $8 for children ages 18-and-under and for older adults. After 5 p.m., the prices are cut in half.

Groover encouraged people to follow the Northern Lehigh Swimming Pool on its Facebook page for the latest news and updates.