FRANKLIN—Nearly 50 youth showed in the first 30 minutes for the opening of the city pool, an event that had been delayed two weeks.

The facility opened behind schedule due to lack of certified lifeguards, something Franklin Parks & Recreation Director Frank Davis said he had never seen before in his career. Davis has been with the city for about 12 years.

“I’ve been handling pool openings since I was in college,” he said. “I think it was year before last we had a mechanical problem with a motor on the pump (at the Armory Drive pool), but we had never had any problem staffing.”

Attendant James Britt said, “We are very much excited about (the opening).

“We have fun joking and laughing.”

Jarod Boone, 7, was busy trying to wipe the sleep from his eyes when he first arrived with his mother, Hattie.

Less than five minutes later, he told his mother, “I’m getting in the baby pool.”

Parks & Recreation offered free passes to the pool on Monday in celebration of what Davis described as “Welcome Back Day” to the facility.

Pool prices are usually 50 cents for the baby pool; 75 cents for ages six through 17; and $1 for 18 and up.