Saturday was picture perfect for the opening of the Oakdale Community Pool – better known as ‘The Plunge’ – as youngsters from around the area converged to dive in to summer vacation.

School got out for the summer this past week and pool officials were pleased with the May 30 opening day, which saw all swimmers admitted for free, gave them the opportunity to sign up for swim lessons, learn about swim team, play some games and generally enjoy the day.

“He was a little too young last year,” Katrina Thomas said of bringing her grandson Tristian Wilson, 2 ½, out for the day. “We’ll go off and on during the summer. He loves the water.”

Royse Memorial Pool is adjacent to Dorada Park so youngsters coming in for an afternoon of swimming could also visit the nearby children’s play park as well.

Though opening day was free, normal prices for open swim are $1 per day for those 13 and under, $2 per day for 14 and older. Punch cards can be bought at a discounted rate at the pool or at City Hall, available to youths 13 and under at a cost of $7.50 for 10 visits, $10 for 20 visits.

The pool is now open seven days a week through July 31, Monday through Thursday 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

From Aug. 1 through Sept. 6, the pool is open weekends only.

Sign-ups are still being taken for swimming lessons and the adult swim program. Register for swim lessons at City Hall, 280 N. Third Ave.; the first session starts on Monday, June 8. There are group and private lessons offered for all ages, all levels. Four sessions are offered, each running for two weeks, Monday through Thursday, for 30 minutes each day.

Session 2 starts June 22; session 3 on July 6 and session 4 on July 20.

For adults, 18 and over, they can choose from lap swim and water aerobics programs; water aerobics are in the shallow end of the pool and lap swim in the deep end. Afternoon and evening classes are offered; call 845-3591 for more information.