In 1921, an aristocratic up-and-coming young New York politician, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, contracted polio. Fearing his political future over, and desperate for a cure, FDR journeyed to Warm Springs, GA., on the advice of his friend, George Foster Peabody. There, FDR found the naturally soothing mineral water helpful in his physical therapy. FDR purchased the property and turned it into a polio treatment center. Eventually, FDR reentered politics and was elected, first Governor of New York, then four times President of the United States.

This Labor Day Weekend you and your family can swim in the historic pools built by President Roosevelt. Usually the pools are kept empty for preservation purposes, but this weekend the shallow pools will be filled with naturally warm spring water.

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Run by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources State Parks & Historic Sites, tickets may be purchased over the phone with credit card. Space is limited to 80 per session. Reservations suggested. Ages 6 and older $20 adults; $12.50 ages 6 to 17; Family Package $80 706-655-5870.