Most Kansas City public pools will open Saturday — but not all. Here are the reasons
Despite recent worries that a lifeguard shortage might get in the way, most Kansas City public pools are set to open this Saturday, June 11.
But other factors will delay the openings of two city pools — the Springs Aquatic Center and the Brush Creek Community Center Pool.
The Springs Aquatic Center in the Northland is getting a new coat of paint. Due to the recent cool temperatures and heavy rainfall, progress has slowed, and the opening will be delayed just a few days.
“The painters had about 18 days in the last month of rain delay, so it set them back,” said Doug Schroeder, administrative officer for Kansas City Parks and Recreation.
The Brush Creek Community Center Pool, on the city’s East Side, is closed indefinitely.
“Brush Creek pool has had a leak for a couple of seasons, and we had a contractor come in and determine the leak, and we did the appropriate repairs and it did not resolve the problem,” Schroeder said. “Once we got the pool up and running a few days ago, the leak was still there.”
“We’d like to get it open this summer and if we can, we will,” he said.
Despite the nationwide shortage of lifeguards, most other Kansas City pools are set to open Saturday.
“We are razor thin” on lifeguards, Schroeder said. “If we have anybody quit or not show up, we can definitely have some closings on a day-to-day basis.”
The city has known for a while that four other pools will remain closed due to infrastructure issues.
The Arbor Villa, Ashland Square and Jarboe pools are permanently closed due to an outdated filtration system that can pose a health risk to swimmers. And at 80 years old, the Swope Park Pool is also closed.
The best way to keep up to date on pool closures is by checking the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Facebook page or website: kcparks.org.
The Bluejacket Pool in Overland Park is closed due to the lifeguard shortage, but other area pools remain open.
To learn more on how to become a lifeguard in Kansas City, call 816-350-2628 or go to midwestpool.com/employment.