EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio (WKBN) – An East Liverpool swimming pool wasn't scheduled to open this summer until it received donations and help from the community.
The pool at Thompson Park in east Liverpool is currently empty. The city was worried it would stay that way all summer because of a lack of funding.
In the past, the Department of Employment and Family Services offered grants that funded pool passes for local children. After grants were no longer available, the community was asked to donate.
“The rest of last year was about $23,000. It costs $50 to $70 everywhere, so we had problems opening in terms of staffing and everything else,” Mayor Bobby Smith said.
The East Liverpool City Hospital Auxiliary announced last week that it would donate $35,000.
“And it's a beautiful Olympic-sized pool right in the heart of our town. We want people to be able to come and use the pool here in Thompson Park,” said East Liverpool City Auxiliary Hospital. said Megan Hofrichter-Hernandez.
On Sunday, off-duty firefighters volunteered to clean the pool, returning what had resembled a swamp to a clean, empty facility.
“I think it's important not just for the pool itself, but for the kids in the community because they spend a lot of time here, they spend all day here,” said Pool Co-Manager Heather Kirby. “Everyone this year did all of their manpower in one day, compared to our three or four days, which was huge because we already had our bench… Because I could focus on getting it out here and spraying it with water.'' Baby pool. ”
However, there is still work to be done. Administrators are asking people to donate materials or time to prepare the pool for opening.
“Like many children, this is their summer break, so we are very pleased to be able to make this donation for the benefit of our community and youth,” said pool co-manager Shane Jones.
Anyone wishing to donate to Thompson Park's swimming pool can contact the city for more information.
The city hopes to open the pool sometime in June.
