Cleveland suburbs struggle to save local swimming pools

Many Cleveland suburbs are dealing with serious budget deficits, and some towns have decided that swimming pools are a luxury they can no longer afford.

Lorain

Budget issues have affected Lorain's Parks and Recreation Department, so there is nobody available to operate the city's swimming pools at Longfellow, Oakwood and Central parks.

"We have people laid off in the city," said Deputy Safety and Service Director Ken Shawver. "You can't open up the pools if you don't have the manpower."

The city used over 22 employees to run the pools in the past: 16 lifeguards, a pool coordinator, a pool supervisor, cleaners and groundskeepers.

Shawver said Lorain residents will probably migrate to Elyria, Lake Erie or the Splash Zone in Oberlin.

However, Shawver said there is still a chance that the pools may reopen this summer.

"Right now, we are working with community leaders to find a way to get the pools open," he said. "We haven't given up.

"Money is what it will take, and fortunately we've gotten some calls from people who are interested in getting the pools open," Shawver added.

Elyria

After several years of operating four swimming pools, the city of Elyria cut back last summer to one: East Park swimming pool at 1101 Prospect Street.

The number of seasonal employees dropped from 50 to 20, according to Parks and Recreation Director Frank Gustoff.

"Our park budget is down from $2.8 million to $1.4 million, and that covers the parks, cemetery and forest areas," he said.

Elyria is offering a full schedule of swim lessons.

"Hopefully, parents will come from across town for the swim lessons, even though we no longer have pools in the neighborhoods within bike-riding distance," Gustoff said.

Vermilion

Facing a budget deficit, Vermilion Mayor Eileen Bulan avoided laying off workers by closing the community swimming pool located at 4846 Pineview Drive.

However, that may not be the end of the story.

Bob Cunicella, who ran the pool, is conducting a drive to raise funds to operate the pool.

"We've already had the Rotary Club and Lions Club pledge $1,000 each," Bulan said.

The pool did not open as usual on Memorial Day weekend, but that could change if the drive is a success.

Cunicella said the Save Our Summer drive, which has its own Facebook page, is over halfway toward its goal of $23,000. To donate, call Cunicella at 440-610-0077.

"I think the community will do this, because it's not about the city or the lifeguards," he said. "It's about the kids and giving them something to do this summer."