With temperatures hitting the triple digits, Tucsonans will soon have more places to dive in to escape the dog days of summer.
Donors have helped to open six city pools closed for the last two summers due to budget cuts. Including the cities' 10 year-round pools, city residents will now have a total of 16 places to splash and swim this summer.
The city pools will host a grand-reopening party Wednesday and will remain open through Aug. 1.
For those hoping to take their first dip over the holiday weekend, eight Pima County pools will open to swimmers Saturday through Labor Day.
The city is hoping it will be able to open an additional 11 pools next summer through the Tucson Parks Foundation's Bring Back the Splash fundraising campaign.
It takes an average of $40,000 to operate each city pool for five days a week, which includes costs for staffing, swimming classes and other swim programs, said John Sefton, deputy director of Tucson Parks and Recreation.
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Having access to a swimming pool gives residents of all ages a healthy activity that is fun, improves fitness and helps teach important skills, Sefton said.
Learning to swim is a "critical" skill for children because it teaches them how to be safe when they're around bodies of water, and working as a lifeguard helps young people learn about job responsibility, Sefton said.
IF YOU GO
Bring Back the Splash Pool Party
• What: Celebrate the grand reopening of six city pools and enter a raffle for a two-night family staycation at the Omni Tucson National Resort.
• When: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday.
• Where: Jacobs Pool, Palo Verde Pool, Purple Heart Pool, Mansfield Pool, Menlo Pool and Himmel Pool.
LINK TO POOL MAP
Visit azstarnet.com/multimedia for an interactive map and list of all city and county pools.
Contact reporter Veronica Cruz at vcruz@azstarnet.com or 573-4224.
