NATCHEZ — Natchez’s new community swimming pool is now set to officially open June 8 with a ceremonial ribbon cutting to take place two days beforehand.

Though officials had hoped to open the facility for Memorial Day Weekend, final touches are being placed on the pool and swimmers are expected to finally enjoy the pool the second Friday in June.

Now that the months of constructing the oft-discussed pool are through, Ward 1 Alderwoman Joyce Arceneaux-Mathis said she hopes the pool can be a building block for developing the city.

“I want other people, when they come to look at it, to feel like it’s the jewel of (our area),” Arceneaux-Mathis said.

Architect Johnny Waycaster said the pool is mostly complete, and Arceneaux-Mathis said the city is working to complete the landscaping on the pool in time for opening day.