OTHELLO — Othello City Council members dug their shovels in the dirt at the city pool groundbreaking ceremony Friday morning.

Although construction already began, the event was held to answer questions and display the project to the community.

"It's things like swimming pools that make a town a community," Mayor Shannon McKay said.

Apollo Inc. is working to get the pool completed by June 2007, Vice President Keith Larson said.

"We're happy as a clam to be a part of this thing," Larson said. "Come this summer, we'll be swimming in this thing together."

The city is building a 50 meter pool equipped with a wading pool entry point, similar to a beach setting, a 20-foot slide, several fountains to spray water, a padded floor and a bath house, he said.

The facility will also feature a "lazy river" ride shaped like a figure-eight. People can use inner-tubes to float along the ride.

Council was surprised by the large turnout during the cold weather. More than 30 people, including Othello High School swim team members, attended the event.