INDIANAPOLIS -
Half the city's public pools open this weekend and given the forecast, they're expected to be swamped. Friday afternoon staff at the Broad Ripple Park pool were busy doing last minute cleaning.
Broad Ripple is one of nine pools opening Saturday. The ten others open June 9th. Indy Parks Deputy Director Jen Pittman the change is in response to IPS's new balanced school year, which extends classes until June 12th.
See all locations here.
Because just half the pools will be open this weekend, with temperatures expected to be in the 90s, several pools could reach capacity.
"The staff at our parks and pools are aware if we reach capacity we have a couple of things we can do. We can have folks wait until some people leave the pool or we can refer them to the nearest pool that's open," said Pittman.
She said spray parks are another option, with 15 across the city. All opened last weekend. The one at Christian Park was a popular place Friday.
Ashley Crow, there with her three children said, "I drove by this morning at nine and saw it was open and I was like, 'Okay, this is great!' The heat is going to be kicking in and this is an awesome place to come and cool down."
Erika Ibarra agreed. "I don't think I could take the heat without getting wet in the water. There's no charge. You just come and have a wonderful day at the park."
Unlike Indianapolis, Greenwood residents won't have a public pool to cool off in this summer. The Park Board closed it after the bath house was declared unsafe.
That wasn't sitting well with the Brackett family, who lives just down the street.
"Certainly disappointing with three small kids. They were obviously looking forward to it," said Brian Brackett.
He said the family would probably go to the Perry Park pool in Indianapolis or, as his wife Jenny said, "As hot as it's going to be this weekend, we talked about canoeing or going to Turkey Run."
Pittman does expect an influx of Greenwood residents at Indy pools this summer, particularly Perry, which is closest. She said that wasn't a problem. Indy pools aren't restricted to those who live in Marion County.
She also noted that given the forecast, lifeguards and pool staff were instructed to watch for signs of heat-related illness.
"Anyone using our pools needs to know just because you're in the water is no excuse not to drink and stay hydrated," she said.
Admission to the city's aquatic centers remains the same as last year. It ranges from $1.50 - $6.00.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WTHR. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
