City Of Tulsa Will Open Five Pools in 2011

Emory Bryan, News on 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- The City of Tulsa plans to open five municipal pools this summer, despite the elimination of taxpayer provided funding for the Tulsa Parks Department swim program.

Another city department, Public Works will spend $138,000 on pool maintenance.

The Tulsa Parks Department will open Whiteside, Reed, McClure, Lacy and Berry pools. The Parks Department plans to spend $216,129 on pools, using leftover donated money.

6/5/2010 Related Story: Five City Of Tulsa Pools Open For Summer Thanks To Private Donations

"There's no money in our budget for pools whatsoever" said Lucy Dolman, Director of Parks & Recreation. Dolman said the Department did not solicit donations this year. "We feel like opening pools is a core value of the Parks Department. We are hoping in the future the City will fund the five pools."

Dolman said last year 37,657 children swam at municipal pools and the program cost $354,000. The pools took in $144,000, through donations, gate admission and concessions.

This year, the parks department will open the same number of pools with the same number of staff and same admission cost as last year.