No relief from the heat at the community pool

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“Summer, summer, summertime – time to sit back and unwind,” rapped Will Smith in his smash hit from 1991. We aren’t there yet, but the temperatures are starting to act like it. Maricopa topped 100 on Friday, and everyone is beginning to jump into their pools.

However, those without a backyard pool are going to have to wait almost two months to take a dip in the community pool on the official opening day of May 28.
“We’re still getting our funding together and finalizing a contract for a pool manager who will overlook all the activities we are coordinating with the city of Maricopa Parks and Recreation,” said Rotary Club President Cecilia Ashe. The Rotary Club has owned and maintained the Olympic-sized pool since the mid-50’s.   
Some of the planned summer activities include water aerobics, senior water aerobics, swimming lessons, beginning diving, technical endurance training and a program for special needs children.
With the city, the Rotary Club is also looking into the possibility of night swimming events. “We would really like to incorporate more of them,” Ashe said. “But with limited funds, lighting is our biggest obstacle. It’s definitely something we wish we had.”
Ashe is also keeping her fingers crossed in regard to several city grants that have been applied for to help with regular maintenance. In the meantime, the pool is waiting on the finalization of its budget  to determine daily rates and pass packages for individuals and families that use the pool.
“With the temperatures like this,” started Ashe, “We wish we could open right away!”
So for now, it looks like people will have to find a friend with a pool or “sit back and unwind” somewhere with a good air-conditioner.
For the City of Maricopa’s summer guide including scheduled pool activities and classes, go to: http://www.maricopa-az.gov/vns/index.php/government/community-services/activity-guide