Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker marked International Lifeguard Appreciation Day on Friday, July 31, by visiting three Philadelphia neighborhood pools that have recently reopened after five years or more of closures for capital improvements.
Parker, Parks & Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson, and community leaders participated in water safety demonstrations and recognized lifeguards and pool staff for their service.
This summer, the city hired nearly 400 lifeguards and pool maintenance staff, enabling 62 public pools to open for residents.
City officials noted the following pool reopenings for this summer:
At Amos Playground Pool, the seven-year pool closure ended with a full plumbing replacement and pool deck reconstruction completed by the Parks & Recreation Skilled Trades team with funding from Council ITEF.The 12th & Cambria Playground Pool reopened after seven years of closure due to capital improvements, restoring free neighborhood swimming in North Philadelphia.Ziehler Playground Pool reopened this season after five years of closure, following a $7.5 million investment through the City’s Rebuild Program.