BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

OGDENSBURG -- Those looking to beat the heat can swim at the Ogdensburg pool free until Sunday.

The city pool opened yesterday, just in time for a heat wave that's been sweeping the county.

The pool is open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Admission for the city pool is normally $1 for city residents and $3 for non-city residents,  but the city is waiving the fee until June 23 following a partnership made with the Ogdensburg City School District.

“We are excited to share some news with you. The City of Ogdensburg will be offering access to the City Pool free of charge for the remainder of the week. We hope you take this opportunity to cool off during the heatwave! Thank you to the City of Ogdensburg,” an announcement from the school said.

Repairs made to the pool have allowed the reopening of the baby pool as well, which had been closed in recent years.

With help of the Ogdensburg Zonta Club the city will also be offering swim lessons Tuesday through Friday from 8-11:30 a.m. Lessons are available to children ages 4-14. Cost is $30 per student and testing groups will be held July 2 and 3. Lessons will be held July 9 through Aug. 9.

Pool parties are also being offered through the Recreation Department from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and Sundays beginning June 22 and ending August 18.

The two-hour span would occur prior to public swimming opening at noon on the weekends. Cost is $75 an hour.

Ogdensburg City Council recently offered praise to city staff, especially the Department of Public Works for fast tracking repairs and getting the pool open in time for summer break.

The city has been working to provide a regular summer program without a recreation director. DPW Director Shane Brown and Interim City Manager and Planner Andrea Smith have been handling the duties.