By Shari Johnson, Publisher
There was plenty of speculation as to whether or not the Calhoun County Community Center pool would ever come to fruition. But from a drone photo taken by Dakota Laughlin, there it is in all it’s splendor, on the verge of making the children of Calhoun County very happy. In a social media post by Crystal Laughlin, President of The 1982 Foundation, she stated that it is almost done with just the painting, diving boards, fencing, 3 more concrete pads and final mechanicals to be completed. The date of substantial completion is slated for Oct 16. The contractors will complete the final wrap on the pump house as well. That will leave just a few things to complete before opening such as the final connector between the pool and the bath house, the shade sails, and the ticket booth/taco hut.
The pool is 46 feet wide, 82 feet long, 12 feet deep, equipped with a 1 foot baja deck and a zero entry with increasing depths towards the deep well. It will hold 240,000 gallon of water, and will have both a high and low dives. Does God care about pools? I seriously doubt it, but He cares about His people and He desires
Crystal said “The total cost of this aquatic recreational complex is over $1,000,000, and thanks to a great team, good weather, and God’s favor it will be done in a week. Just in time to fill it for winter. Yes plaster pools must be filled during the winter.”
As we prepare for a County Commission meeting today at 9 a.m. I am reminded of a statement that I heard Preacher Lee Roberson say in a sermon many years ago, “Everything rises and falls on Leadership.” Great leaders have a big picture vision and the tenacity to weather storms created by those who choose to wear blinders and fear progress. I love that Crystal gave God the glory. I personally believe that Dakota’s Drone was not the only one viewing the pool from Heaven. Does God care about pools? Maybe or maybe not. But He does care about His people and when He is honored and glorified He’ll bless.
Calhoun County has been blessed. Let the naysayers continue. Let the critics criticize. Those of us in the faith community that believe this county can come back from the ashes of the past, are trusting that, come what may, our big picture is one with smiles on the faces of Calhoun County residents and happier days ahead.
