Not sure exactly what it is, but people are naturally drawn to water. Maybe it's the fact that up to 60% of the human body is made up of water.

Rivers, lakes, streams, oceans, even pools. For more than 60 years, people have been drawn to the Lititz Springs Pool.

"We want to offer a wonderful experience for members of our community," said Corey Pickel, associate executive director of Lititz recCenter, which operates Lititz Springs Pool. "We really want to create an outdoor oasis on hot summer days. It can be enjoyable and relaxing to hang out in the water. It's really a community gem. ... It has lots of space, and it's a place for families and the community to come to."

Situated on land owned by Lititz Borough at 201 Maple St., Lititz Springs Pool is actually an outdoor water facility made up of three pools - a 400,000-gallon main pool, a 70,000-gallon adult lap pool and a 4,000-gallon baby pool. The Lititz Springs Pool experience is enhanced by a waterpark playground, a slide, a 50-gallon dump bucket, 24 huge shade-producing umbrellas and grassy areas.

The facility is also home to swim lessons, aquatics fitness classes and the Lititz Springs Wave Runners' community swim team designed for competitors ages 5 to 18. There are also party pavilions available for rent there.

The Lititz Springs Pool is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. - weather permitting - from early June to late August.

"In this day and age, everyone is locked into their screens," said Pickel, a resident of Lititz. "We have people moving less. We need to find different outlets and activities that are fun. This is something that's enjoyable. Just being outside, this is something that's a great way to be healthy and active. As far as a low-impact activity goes, swimming is wonderful."

The Lititz Springs Pool hosts an average of 24,000 visitors a month, a combination of members and daily guests from Lititz, Warwick Township, Elizabeth Township and surrounding areas. Some 1,000 members belong to the Lititz Springs Pool.

"People are coming to the pool to have a nice, relaxing day and to unplug," said Pickel. "That's the kind of atmosphere we're trying to create. We want people to make a day of it. It looks beautiful. It's fun for all ages, and it's a place where people can feel safe."

"One of the things we do see a lot of is young families who want to do something fun outside," continued Pickel. "There's a community element to it. There are people who are there regularly throughout the week. It's the next best thing to being at the beach, but it's right here in your hometown."

Lititz Springs Pool employs a staff of nearly 60 workers - lifeguards, pool attendants and pool managers.

"For me personally, I grew up there, going there daily with my siblings," said Pickel. "When I was a kid, it was the place to go."

Lititz Springs Pool was designed in 1961, and its local popularity has stood the test of time.

"Community pools in general are hard to maintain," said Pickel. "What we were able to do is enhance the grounds of the facility."

Much of Lititz Springs Pool's enhancement resulted from a $4.5 million renovation project completed in 2019. In addition to providing an updated facelift for all three pools, the project represented local leaders' commitment to the pool and the role that it plays in the community.

"We're here, and we have this to offer you," said Pickel. "It's also a testament to the Lititz community. Lititz has a wonderful community, and it has people who made decisions to help the pool."

For additional information, go to http://www.lititzrec.com/lititz-springs-pool.