There were no children splashing at the Bedford Municipal Pool last year — no giggles, no goggles, no lifeguards at their posts. Due to the pandemic, and the shutdown it caused in the spring 2020, the pool never opened. It remained silent, leaving its purpose unfulfilled for a whole summer.

Mark Sellards | The Bedford Tribune Grayson Westfall. 7. finishes his trip down the big blue curly slide on Wednesday, the first day of operations this year for the Bedford Municipal Pool.

That all ended on Wednesday, June 16, as the pool opened for business once again. The sun was brilliant on opening day as it glinted off of the water, but the temperatures only hovered around the 70-degree mark. Still, according to an unofficial tally, about 30 residents came out to welcome the pool back to operations.

Grayson Westfall, 7, emerges from the pool after his sliding adventure showing all smiles, Wednesday.

Darlene Boyle was one of those at the pool, enjoying opening day with her son Grayson Westfall. She was joined by her friend Andrea Anderson and her daughter Kayla, as well. Boyle said her family loves the pool and have been pool-pass owners for life.

The Bedford Parks and Recreation Department said it is their intention to use the pool this summer for open swim only. The pool will be open from Wednesday through Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. for adult only swim only on those days. For more information on purchasing passes, see the pool-reopening flyer here.

Mark Sellards | The Bedford Tribune Kayla Anderson, 8, spends time playing in the water under the watchful eye of lifeguard Rachel Johnson, Wednesday.