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Baltimore City Swimming Pools To Stay Open Longer This Year

BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- Just in time for a warm weekend, every pool in Baltimore City opened on Saturday. City leaders say they're more than just a way to cool off.

Adam May reports.

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake wasn't exactly dressed right for the Big Splash-- an event that officially starts the swim season at public pools.

Performing artists did a synchronized swim to kick off the fun.

"I would not be out there in my swimsuit in any condition, let alone to dance. So thanks for sharing your talents with us," Rawlings-Blake said.

This year, all the big city park pools opened earlier than last year-- on Memorial Day.

And the walk-to neighborhood pools will be open two weeks longer than 2011. All 26 pools-- a critical element in Baltimore's strategy to make neighborhoods safer.

"I ask parents and guardians to continue to push that our children take advantage of programs and opportunities this summer," Baltimore City Councilman Nick Mosby said.

Because for for kids, it's just good clean fun.

Admission for the park pools are $1.50. Walk-to pools cost a dollar.

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