A favorite summer hot spot is now taking a dive due to the economy.
Outdoor swimming pools are facing the latest cuts across the area, and swimmers worry about where they’ll have to go to stay cool.
“I don’t think it’s fair, cause when it’s hot out here, people need to cool down,” said Cleveland Resident Randall Johnson.
CLEVELAND
This summer, Cleveland city pools are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, forcing locals to find alternatives to beat the heat.
Frustrated to find a close swimming pool this week, Cleveland resident Jennifer Cruise discovered one of the city’s spray basins.
“There’s a playground here, and I don’t have to worry about them drowning like at a regular pool, so I feel safer with it,” she said. “I’ve been here three times already this week with them.”
LORAIN
Yet, Cleveland is not alone.
The City of Lorain planned to close its three municipal pools, but a partnership with the YMCA is keeping two locations open this year.
“We provide staffing, we offer classes,” said Rick Haase, vice president of communications at the YMCA of Greater Cleveland. “Everybody learns to swim at the YMCA, so we provide instruction when necessary.”
Haase said the partnership has provided a great opportunity to keep a local tradition alive.
He said the YMCA is willing to explore the possibility of helping other cities in need of help.
AKRON
For the past few years in Akron, the city has alternated days of operation between its two pools, so nothing shuts down.
Officials say the decision has kept the summer pool program afloat, and their numbers have been strong.
Sink or swim, some just hope nothing happens to their favorite dive.
“That just sucks, but the days that they’re open, it’s nice that they can come out here and meet new people,” said Cleveland resident Eileen Roman.