After a year and a half without public pools being open, many were likely anxious to start the summer off with the splash.

Public pools are now open for the season, and Russellville Parks and Recreation Director Donnie Flanagan said opening day saw a large crowd.

“You can tell everyone has been ready to get out and get things back to normal,” Flanagan said. “We always have a lot of people excited for the pool opening back up, but this year, you could tell people were ready for it.”

Russellville City Pool remained closed in 2020 because of COVID-19, but this year Flanagan said things seem to be running like normal.

“There are no restrictions with the pool,” Flanagan said. “No one has to wear masks, and there is no limited capacity. Everyone will be in a chlorine pool, so we don’t expect any problems.”

Flanagan said this year Russellville will not be offering swim lessons, but everything else should be as usual.

The Russellville pool will be open from noon until 5 p.m. seven days a week.

Red Bay Parks and Recreation Director Dean Hubbard said he and everyone in Red Bay were excited to see the water park opening back up for another season. The Red Bay Fun Park was open this past year despite COVID-19, and Hubbard said after having much success in 2020, the department is anticipating another successful season this year.

“We are excited to be opening back up,” Hubbard said. “The water park is something most people look forward to every year.”

The Red Bay Fun Park will be open from noon until 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m Sunday.