Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE - Even though the weather may not be an incentive to go to the pool, Gwinnett officials are offering children a free day at the county's indoor aquatic center Saturday.

The promotion is part of the launch of the government's Funcard program, a reduced cost swipe-card to access the centers.

The card and technology replace the old paper passes used for seasonal and yearly swim passes, and the county now offers a 10-visit pricing option.

"This is a great new feature for us and will allow those using the Funcard fast and easy entry into our pools while saving them money at the same time," said Tina Fleming, deputy director of recreation for the county.

To pick up your Funcard, celebrations are planned from noon to 3 p.m., with free admission for children 18 and under. Children 10 and younger must be accompanied by a paying adult in a swimsuit.

The festivities include door prizes for a chance to win 10-visit Funcards and kids' swim lessons, along with free "Whales Tales" water instruction programs held at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.

According to a press release, SCUBA demonstrations will be held at the Bogan and Collins Hill Park aquatic centers, while a lifeguard expo will be held at the Bethesda and Mountain Park centers.

The passes will be valid at all Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation pools but can only be purchased at the year-round aquatic centers.

Saturday's event will be held at the following locations, where Funcards will be for sale:

· Bethesda Park Aquatic Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville, 678-924-6334

· Bogan Park Aquatic Center, 2723 N. Bogan Road, Buford, 770-614-2063

· Collins Hill Park Aquatic Center, 2200 Collins Hill Road, Lawrenceville, 770-237-5647

· Mountain Park Aquatic Center, 1063 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain, 770-564-4650

SideBar: Funcard Facts

Annual Funcard pass: Valid one year from date of purchase

Individual: $144

Family of 2: $232

Family of 3: $313

Family of 4: $375

Family of 5: $438

Family of 6: $500

Seasonal Funcard pass: Available in May for summer season. Valid Memorial Day to Labor Day at all indoor and outdoor pools and Labor Day to Memorial Day at indoor pools only

Individual: $75

Family of 2: $125

Family of 3: $170

Family of 4: $200

Family of 5: $232

Family of 6: $265

10-visit Funcard:

Individual (18-49): $45

Senior citizen (50+):

$18