Pool Renovations Paying Off, City Says 7.11.11

WRTV

INDIANAPOLIS -- With temperatures well into the 90s on Monday, many Indianapolis residents enjoyed a dip in city pools that were recently repaired and upgraded.
Indianapolis put $6.5 million into pool repairs in 2009 and 2010, stopping leaks and keeping pools viable, 6News' Ericka Flye reported.
Mike Gross was among a crowd at Garfield Park's pool.
"They did a real nice job with this, because it wasn't very good until they renovated it," Gross said. "It's so hot out today, a lot of these people don't have air conditioning, and this is a way to stay cool and not overheat."
The city's repairs included fixing old pipes that were leaking millions of gallons of water each season.
"That is a lot of money that's literally going down the drain," said Indy Parks spokeswoman Jennifer McGilvray. "Our attendance numbers are higher. Our revenue is higher, and we really do think that it was a great investment."
The city provided 6News with attendance figures from July 2-8 from 2008 to 2011 that showed attendance hit 28,333 in 2011, up slightly from 2010. In 2008 and 2009, attendance figures were much lower -- 18,782 and 17,578, respectively.
Increased attendance adds up to additional revenue, hitting more than $88,000 over the seven-day period in 2011, up from about $51,000 in 2008, according to the city's numbers.
A spray park replaced a deteriorating pool at Wes Montgomery Park. Initially, closing the pool drew some criticism. But people at the park said they appreciate the relief.
"It's not a pool, but it's a splash park. At least no kids will drown, even though we're still out here watching them as parents," said parent Lacanza Tunstall.
Indy Parks said more people are attending the spray park than did when there was a pool there. Still, some said they'd welcome back a pool.
"Yeah, I think a pool would be better," said Eddie Rowell.
Officials said adding a pool again at Wes Montgomery is not out of the question. If funding becomes available, there is room to build a pool on the grounds.
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