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Some Baltimore City Pools Open, But Dozens Still Closed

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Baltimore City pools opened for business this past weekend, but more than a dozen are still empty.  Jessica Kartalija explains.

It's officially summer in the city at Druid Hill Park pool but across town, it's a different story.  Due to budget constraints, 13 of the city's walk-to pools will remain closed until July 9. 

"It's unfortunate.  We really would like to do more," said Parks and Recs Bureau Chief Bill Tyler.

Tyler says the smaller, so-called walk-to pools like Ambrose Kennedy in east Baltimore, will open for just six weeks this summer.  The larger pools, like Druid Hill, will stay open for 10.

"We are not trying to punish them.  We are simply saying what we have.  We think we have the best schedule," Tyler said.

With several of the city pools still closed, it forces people to come across town to the pools that are open and now the problem becomes overcrowding.

"If you have one closed, then that means there will be at least 100 people at another public pool," said Kassy Redman.

Redman and her neighbors decided to avoid city pools altogether.

"I think it's really pretty sad, especially for the kids on summer break.  They should be swimming around this time," said Amanda Dickens.

As for the pools that are open, Recs & Parks says despite large crowds, no one will be turned away.

"People may have to wait a little longer to enjoy the pool and then they will rotate them out and rotate other people in," Tyler said.

For a link to a complete list of city pools, click here.

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