Photo: Violeta Sandulescu / 500px / 500px / Getty Images
Today (June 18), the City of Syracuse will open its first public pool of the season at Upper Onondaga Park, providing residents a place to cool off during the summer heat. The pool will be open from 3 to 6 p.m. on weekdays while schools are in session and will extend its hours to open at noon starting June 30.
Following Upper Onondaga Park, the Kirk Park Pool will open on Friday (June 20), and the McKinley Park Pool will open on Saturday (June 21). All pools in Syracuse are expected to be fully operational by the end of the month and will remain open through mid-August, weather permitting.
According to Yahoo News, the city has successfully addressed previous staffing shortages, with enough lifeguards hired to cover most pools. The Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Youth Programs, Syeisha Bird, stated, "We have enough lifeguards right now to cover the majority of our pools."
In addition to regular swimming hours, the city will offer swim lessons for both children and adults at several outdoor public pools for a small fee. Pool opening schedules and any changes will be posted online for residents to stay informed.