East Tuscaloosa County PARA Facility Pool Closes After Lightning Damage

Members of an East Tuscaloosa County PARA facility temporarily lost access to its indoor pool amenity earlier this month following storm damage.

PARA's aquatics director, Mark Harrison, said a pump on the pool at Jerry Tingle Activity Center in McCalla was struck by lightning during a storm on April 2.

Harrison said the strike knocked out an electrical component in the pump. The replacement was only half of the problem.

Get our free mobile app

"We repaired the pump but when we turned it on, the heater was leaking," Harrison said.

Harrison said the part was ordered to fix the heater, however he was notified by the supplier on Monday that the part would not be delivered for another two to three weeks.

Patrons of the center flooded the comments of the center's Facebook page, voicing their concerns over the facility being able to fulfill rental agreements and scheduled swim lessons.

Harrison said they are actively working to get the issue resolved as quickly as possible and have provided accommodations to those who have been affected.

"I contacted the Bessemer YMCA, which has the closest pool, to make sure those who had parties booked could continue as planned," Harrison said. "We also gave spots in the next session to those who were scheduled for swim lessons."

Harrison said in the mean time, members looking to swim can attend any PARA facility, regardless of their membership status, while they work to fix the pool. He said he appreciates everyone for being patient and understanding.

"No one wants the pool open more than PARA does," Harrison said. "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience to our valued members and we appreciate their patience. As soon as the pool is fixed, we will immediately open back up."