Pool to Stay Open Late Despite Budget Crunch

The pool at is scheduled to have the same operating hours as last year despite the city's budget concerns.

Last year the pool began staying open late on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and according to Patrick Hawkins, director of Parks and Recreation, the pool will continue to have the same schedule.

The pool’s special preseason hours begin in June. The pool is scheduled to be open from 12:45 to 4:45 p.m. June 11 and 12.

The regular season begins June 17 and continues through Aug. 21. The regular season hours for every day open swim are 12:15 to 4:45 p.m. Pool hours are extended on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday 6 to 9 p.m.

Patron access is restricted to the water slide, zero depth and lap pool during special hours on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. The entire pool is open for Family Activity Night on Friday.

The pool is also scheduled to be open from 12:45 to 4:45 p.m. July 3, Aug. 27 and 28 and Sept. 3 and 4.

The pool's additional hours cost about $10,000 more per year.

The pool opened about 10 years ago and has yet to be a self-sustaining entity. About half of the budget required for the pool goes to supplies and chemicals, but the money made on the pool does not cover the amount of money it takes to run it.

Though not self-sustaining, Mayor Gerald Brown recommended reducing the pool budget by $5,000 because he did not anticipate it needed the full $70,000 budgeted to run the pool.

Residents from surrounding Riverview, Woodhaven and Wyandotte frequent the pool. To further entice people to visit pool, employees may start setting up games inspired by the television show Minute to Win It or use the pool for kayak races.

For more information contact the Parks and Recreation Department 734-675-7300.