KENOVA, W. Va. (WSAZ) -- Swimming pools are popular meeting spots in the heat of summer. One local pool in our region is now on the road to a comeback after nearly closing.

Dreamland Pool in Kenova was once the largest swimming pool east of the Mississippi. The three story pavilion with a dance floor attracted a lot of entertainers, like Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra.

"The pool did bad financially last year. You all are charged with a chance to save it," Kenova Mayor Ric Griffith announced to employees Thursday night. It was a pep talk to the employees on the verge of another season for Dreamland.

The city and corporate sponsors gave thousands of dollars to open the pool this year and renovate the filtration system, bathroom, changing area, concession stand and skate park area.

Griffith says with more volunteers and donations, Dreamland can be a tourist attraction once again. He says the long term plan is to redo the pavilion.

Dreamland Pool opens Saturday and closes around Labor Day.