Laughing, splashing, squealing and popular music playing are the sounds coming from Gilley Pool this summer. It’s safe to say hundreds of folks enjoy the pool each day, especially with current high temperatures raging across the state.   
The almost 800,000-gallon pool was opened in May 2003 with close to 25,000 visitors the first two months.
Head lifeguard Matt McColloch and approximately 17 other certified guards man posts around the facility ensuring the safety of the swimmers.
“We’ve had a great year so far, no major injuries, just a few scraped knees where the children were running and fell,” said McColloch.
With June and July experiencing more rain than usual, there were only a few days of rain that affected the pool hours.
“Our attendance has been good despite the rainy season,” said McColloch. “We did have to close some just recently when we had so much rain.” 
Cookeville resident Deborah Robbins especially enjoys the Gilley Pool facility, as she travels to McMinnville a few times each summer to use the pool with her family.
“We do have a pool in Cookeville, but not as nice as this one,” said Robbins. “I’m a teacher and this is just a fun break for us to take. It’s not too far to drive here from Cookeville and we really enjoy it.”
Her 3-year-old son Gavin was having fun with one of the water cannons shooting water across the pool. The zero-entry area makes it convenient for parents with young children to enjoy the pool together. There are two separate water slides for children and one for the older attendees. For the competitive swimmer, there are 25-meter lap lanes, and a 13-foot diving area with two boards. 
Gilley Pool is open daily, with its last weekday being Aug. 7. After that date, the pool will open for weekends only. They also rent the facility for private parties throughout the season. More information can be obtained by calling 473-1212.