The municipal swimming pool in Piribebuy is a very popular destination on a hot summer afternoon. Both for the refreshing water but also the sort grassy river banks.
The town of Piribebuy stands on the River Piribebuy. These are the waters used to give the local population a bathing site just one block from the town center.
The River Piribebuy is like many rivers in Paraguay a stream seemingly out of all proportion to the channel in which it sits. For much of the year the river is just a small stream running through the center of the channel far from and far below its bank. Like all Paraguayan waters it is the occasional torrential downpour which has carved out the rivers channel.
This extra space has however been put to good use in Piribebuy. A dam has been built across the river. The dam gates are closed once winter is over. Then over the course of a few days the water behind them backs up creating a small lake.
Once filled the lake becomes a swimming pool a couple of metres deep and several metres across. This pool then extends for several hundred metres along the river bank.
In front of the dam there are large flat rocks and shallow sandy waters. Ideal for children for whom the swimming pool itself is too deep and too wide.
For many years the river banks along the swimming pool were quite unkempt. Just rough grass and earthen worn by passing feet. There was also no more than a couple of old benches, not in good repair. To cross from one side of the pool to the other was not easy. The only option other than crossing the top of the dam was a dangerous looking rope bridge.
A few years ago though this all began to change. An on going program of improvements has modernized the whole area.
First the river banks were paved and a railing put up. This has created a boulevard, somewhere to promenade. Making the whole area somewhere to visit for a pleasant stroll and not just for a swim.
At the same time benches and flowerpots were installed. Thus giving somewhere to sit and improving the previously bland river banks. Whilst this was done proper parking places were marked out and fenced off. Keeping pedestrians and vehicles apart. Children could now run about the grassy river banks without having to watch out for cars or motorbikes.
This year further work is being carried out to create a grand entrance. That work should be finished in time for summer.
One of the roads down to the swimming pool has been cleared of the earth and cobbles that previously filled it. In its place coloured tiles have been laid and flowerbeds constructed. This has been named the Memorial Walkway and will be a fine addition to the town once complete.
On the river itself the rope bridge has been removed. It had almost fallen and was missing many rungs. This has been replaced slightly further downstream with a more solid construction of metal and concrete.
These things should all be completed before the arrival of summer. Then the people of Piribebuy will again be able to spend many hours enjoying swimming and relaxing just a very short walk from the town center.
Throughout the summer the river banks are filled with family groups relaxing together. Small children running about the grass, often in search of ice creams and groups of youngsters spending their afternoons fish like in the water.
At the weekend the Municipal Swimming Pool is a noisy busy place. However during the week when the water is just as clear and pure it is almost deserted. This is the time to enjoy it and the nature that surrounds it in the most harmonious way.
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