Municipal pools offer important benefits to urban residents, but some cities are struggling to keep them open.
Public pools are an important amenity for many urban communities, providing opportunities to cool off on hot summer days and learn life-saving swimming skills. But for many cities, the cost of maintenance is too much, reports Karen Kroll in Smart Cities Dive.
“Growing expenses for operations, staffing and maintenance have led to pool closures: Pittsburgh currently operates 15 outdoor public pools, about half the number it had in the past,” while Cincinnati is down to 24 public pools from roughly 44 two decades ago.
Most cities keep admittance costs low to ensure residents can afford the pools, but this revenue generally fails to cover operating costs. “Along with the cost of maintaining the swimming pools themselves, budgeting for the cost of lifeguards and other employees can be daunting.”
Some cities are turning to splash pads are other more economical options to provide cooling and community spaces, while some are opting to keep pools open all year to offer year-round employment.
FULL STORY: Municipal pools are popular, but they come at a price for cities
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