EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) -
On hot summer days, Evansville's city pools stay busy.
If the Department of Parks & Recreation has its way, swimmers will be able to enjoy several pools through Labor Day.
"I think everybody involved would like to see the pools open longer," said Denise Johnson, Executive Director of the Department of Parks & Rec.
Johnson says at Monday night's meeting, city council allocated just over $49,000 to go toward that goal.
Right now, all neighborhood pools are scheduled to close after July 19th.
But the Parks Departments plan, assuming funding and staffing work out, is to keep Hartke Pool open through August 14th. Rochelle and Mosby Pools would open daily through August.
The department is still figuring out exactly how much the amended schedule will cost. But cost is only one factor.
Johnson says another big issue to tackle is staffing.
"Kids go back to college, we lose lifeguards," Johnson said.
To make up for losing those younger guards, Johnson tells 14 News the Parks Department is looking to hold a certification yet this summer aimed toward different age groups.
"There are a lot of people who are in their working years or who are stay-at-home moms, or who are retired who are still extremely physical active, in good shape and could easily be certified," said Johnson.
No final decisions have been made yet.
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