READING, Pa — It’s a hot and humid late spring day and a dip in the pool is on many minds — especially the young.
“They need to be able to cool off, they don’t realize when they’re too hot,” said Susan Herb, Pool Treasurer.
Among them — a Reading high swimmer, water polo player and new lifeguard — how does she keep cool?
“I’ll go in the shade, drink some water, make sure I’m nice and refreshed, hop in the pool, come back out, step on the chair and make sure everyone is safe,” said Milonee Okuendo.
But now, it’s not just about cooling off and staying safe in hot weather — but saving the life of the College Manor Pool itself. Because what does this pool mean to the community?
“Everything. As a community pool, it’s the second city pool, the only other pool in the city. As you can see, we have a lot of kids, and that’s what our goal is, to give them a safe haven,” said Pool Board President Christine Conrad.
So they’re synchronizing their swimming together as a community to save it.
“We’re gonna fight for this pool in our area. We could have walked away, but nine of us got together and we decided we’re gonna make this work,” said Herb.
One of their efforts? A long overdue fundraiser and reunion planned this Saturday.
“It’s called Night in the Heights. College Heights Community Council is sponsoring it and all the proceeds go to our pool,” she said.
They need help with repairs memberships, and the fundraiser is set for Saturday from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m..