Baltimore City Pools Release Summer Schedule

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- For the past few years, city budget troubles have limited the number of days municipal pools have been open.  But now, as Mike Schuh reports, a full schedule is in store for summer 2011.

It's time to follow the parade as this time of year is the time when all roads lead to relief...and relief comes in the form of water and lots of it.

Saturday, the mayor opened city pools and this year, it's a full 10 week schedule.

"I'm excited about how we can get in the pool today," said Chance Baylor.

His mom loves the safety the pool brings.

"They always have a lot of staff, have police here and it's a nice family environment," said Cashima Baylor.

It's a fact not lost on the mayor, who found the money in the budget to run a full 10-week season.

"We jostled the hours around and tried to find when people were really using the pool," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

Three hundred and fifty thousand people will don bathing suits for a dip in city pools this year.  It's about the best deal in the country.  Spend between a dollar to $1.50 a day or $25 for the whole season.

City pools open at noon and close at 5 or 7, depending on the pool.