Pools and campgrounds to remain open

<br>(Oklahoma City-AP) -- State tourism officials say seven pools and four campgrounds at state parks that were considered for closure this summer, will be open. <br><br>The state Tourism Department was

Thursday, April 12th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- State tourism officials say seven pools and four campgrounds at state parks that were considered for closure this summer, will be open.

The state Tourism Department was considering shutting down the facilities to make up for money lost during last year's summer drought, wet fall and icy winter.

An eighth pool, at Alabaster Caverns State Park, will be closed because of irreparable damage caused by ground shifts.

The federal government has agreed to provide more than one (m) million dollars to help clean up damage from the ice storm. A bill signed last month by the governor provides almost two (m) million dollars for cleanup.

Tourism officials have also cut staff, implemented a hiring freeze and are delaying plans for improvements and maintenance until the start of the new fiscal year in July.