INDIANAPOLIS — Indy Parks announced Thursday, less than half of its pools will initially be open for the summer this year.
The department runs a total of 17 pools, but only eight of them will open June 4 due to staffing shortages and previously planned maintenance. Indy Parks Director Phyllis Boyd said additional pools could open later this summer.
"Out of the remaining nine pools, we will continue to evaluate staffing levels and ways to get them up and running this summer," Boyd said. "I am so grateful to our entire team for their efforts to train new and returning staff and their commitment to get our parks ready for an enjoyable pool season."
Here are the pools that will open June 4:
- Bethel Park
- Ellenberger Park
- Frederick Douglass Park
- Garfield Park
- Indy Island Aquatic Center
- Perry Park
- Thatcher Park
- Willard Park
Bill Malcolm with Friends of Broad Ripple Park Pool said it's discouraging not to be among that list. He's hoping Broad Ripple's pool will join the open list sooner rather than later.
"It was certainly disappointing that this is the third year in a row that Broad Ripple will not have a pool," Malcolm said. "We'll keep our fingers crossed for a mid-summer opening. You never know," Malcolm said.
Malcolm said he doesn't fault Indy Parks, saying they've worked hard to try and fill positions. But there is still frustration.
"The Monon Center pool is opening this weekend. The JCC is opening. What are they doing that we did not do to make sure we have enough staff to open our pools?" Malcolm asked.
Malcolm said his group feels they were left out of the conversation of having a voice when choosing which pools would open and when.
"We feel we have a central location with the whole city coming here. We have summer camps. So, it was very disappointing. There was no opportunity to lobby for selecting Broad Ripple," Malcolm said.
Gustafson Park's pool is undergoing maintenance but could open after July 4. Krannert Park's pool and family center will be remodeled and closed for the summer.
Mayor Joe Hogsett announced Marion County residents will have free admission to all pools with a pool pass. The pass will be available beginning next week at any Indy Parks Family Center or pool location. The customer Service Center at Riverside Regional Park will also have them. Residents will need proof of residency to get a pool pass. The following items would qualify as proof of residency:
- Utility bill
- Rent or mortgage statement
- School enrollment info
- State-issued ID
Passes will be valid through the summer.
Starting June 4, the eight pools will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
According to Indy Parks, 377 summer positions are still open, which includes cashiers, pool managers, day camp counselors, food program coordinators and lifeguards. More than 50% of those have been filled with 192 being hired.
There's a big push to hire lifeguards. Indy Parks said 81 people have been hired for 224 lifeguard positions.
Indy Parks raised the hourly wage for lifeguards to $15 per hour. To see all available jobs, click here.