What was planned as a free day of swimming as part of the grand opening for St Augustine’s Willie Galimore Center Community Pool last Friday, turned into a whole summer of free swimming with a surprise gift from the Jaguar Foundation, according to an announcement received by Historic City News.
Both Mark Lamping, Jacksonville Jaguars President, and Peter Racine, Jaguars Foundation President, participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, May 24; but, when St Augustine City Manager John Regan invited Lamping to make a few remarks, instead he made a surprise announcement.
The Willie Galimore Center is named for the St Augustine native and Chicago Bears running back Willie Galimore, an NFL Star in the late 50’s and early 60’s. In a show of support for the new Galimore Community Pool in Lincolnville, the Jaguars Foundation has agreed to underwrite general swimming entrance fees for the entire summer. Lamping also announced that the foundation would donate additional funds allowing the pool to extend its hours of operation.
The city had previously announced to Historic City News reporters that they planned to charge $1 for children and $2 for adults. The new pool, which will be open through Labor Day, is operated by the St Augustine Family YMCA.
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