After racing down the big slide at Gilley Pool on Tuesday afternoon, Cookeville resident Gunnar Netherton had a smile on his face and praise on his tongue.
“This is definitely worth the trip,” said Gunnar, 16. “We come here once or twice a year. Cookeville doesn’t have anything like this.”
That seems to be a popular sentiment as Gilley Pool manager Dawn Christian says the pool regularly attracts visitors from all over the state, even as far away as Chattanooga and Knoxville. There were license plates from Rutherford, DeKalb, White, Knox, and Putnam counties spotted in the pool parking lot Tuesday.
“This is the biggest pool in Middle Tennessee and it really represents a good value with a $4 admission price for everyone,” said Christian. “When there’s good pool weather, people come out. There’s something for everyone. The kids can play in the zero-entry area. There are water features everywhere. Parents can relax while their children play. It’s a very clean pool and our lifeguards are well-trained.”
Christian said on a warm, sunny day, Gilley Pool averages between 800 and 1,100 visitors. She estimated attendance to be around 1,000 people for the day on Tuesday.