Fewer Tulsa City Pools Will Be Open For Summer

By Emory Bryan, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- The City of Tulsa plans to open five swimming pools this summer, which is even fewer than last year.

The city will open the pools at five parks: Lacy, Whiteside, McClure, Reed, and Berry.

Whiteside will be the only junior pool to open. The city plans to add splash pad this summer.

"We've been to the pool once so a splash park would be great," said park user, Molly Swanson.

Swanson and her three boys are regulars at Whiteside and she's happy to hear of an improvement because she's noticed the decline.

"Well some of the toys are broken, some of the parks we use have the old metal slides that get really hot in the summer and the weeds, overgrown areas," said Swanson.

The city has put off mowing to save money, but plans to start mowing next week.

The City of Tulsa Parks Department is still hoping volunteers will offer to help mow the weeds, and pay for the pools, while the city budget is drained on other priorities.

"Until sales tax comes back around, we're at bare bones and we're doing the best we can with the resources that we have," said Bob Hendrick, with the City of Tulsa Parks Department.

The parks department needs $300,000 not only run the pools, but to pay for routine maintenance as well.

Even pools that appear to be in good shape cost a lot to operate. The average pool costs $60,000 for the summer.

All of the money for pools was cut from this year's budget, so it's all being done with donations.

The parks department has raised $100,000, but needs more to meet their goal of opening five this year.