'Just disappointed': Reduced hours at Milwaukee County pools due to lifeguard shortage
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A lifeguard shortage is forcing the Milwaukee County Parks Department to make changes to its summer hours. Pools will have reduced hours and be closed one day a week. The Parks Department says Holler Park Pool on Milwaukee's south side will be closed this summer.
"They’re looking forward to it all school year and the summer comes and they’re just disappointed," mother of three, Marie McGeorge said.
Families who live near the Holler Park pool would like to see it remain open with reduced hours, like the other pools.
"If we can’t be open every day due to the lifeguard shortage, and that’s understandable," McGeorge said. "But, we just ask the decision to be equitable and it services our community just like it’s servicing communities surrounding the other pools."
The Milwaukee County Parks Department said they decided to close Holler Park Pool for the season because of its attendance and proximity to other pools.
"This is the only way to ensure the water safety of the other 13 pool and lakefront sites that Milwaukee County lifeguards supervise," James Tarantino, Director of Recreation and Business Services said in a statement.
The Holler Park Neighborhood Association plans to have a meeting on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the park to talk about the pool closing. They also started this petition.
For more information on reduced hours, entry fees and a map and schedule showing all 47 aquatic facilities available to the public, is available at www.mkeswim.com.
Pools and splash pads open Saturday, June 15 and will stay open through mid-August, weather permitting. The Parks Department says for the first time this year, credit cards and Milwaukee County Parks gift cards will be accepted at pools and water parks. Several season pass options are available to families, including a Splash & Slide Summer Pass, Deep-Well Pool Pass, and an Annual Pool Pass. Single visit passes for Cool Waters and Schulz Aquatic Park and outdoor pools are available for purchase. Splash pads and wading pools are free and will be open daily through the season.