Yuma, Arizona (KYMA, KECY) – The gates to Kennedy Pool in Yuma have been closed for three years, but now local residents have expressed concerns and want to save the pool.
Yuma residents unite by signing a petition to save Kennedy Pool.
Johnny Porter, a Yuma resident, parent, and 100.9 local radio host, said he used to come here all the time when he was a kid and wants to continue the tradition by bringing his kids. rice field.
“Kids need a place to cool down and refresh. This is the perfect place and has been for all these years,” Porter said.
60 years ago to be exact, but the pandemic brought the pools too close together.
And just as the city was getting ready to reopen the pools this summer, Yuma’s Parks and Recreation Director Eric Arfer said he had found a fundamental problem with the plumbing.
“We started to see some water loss, and further investigation later revealed multiple leaks within the filtration system,” Afer said.
Arfer said the repairs will cost about $1 million.
The city will begin the parks and recreation masterplan process this summer, and the public will be invited to join the discussion.
“It’s our full intention to bring some sort of underwater facility back here at Kennedy Park. Again, it could be the style of pool we see behind us now, or something completely different. It could be something, and maybe we’ll rethink the whole thing.” It’s also up to the community and part of that process,” Affer explained.
Yuma residents showed nothing but love and passion for rebuilding Yuma, with over 400 people signing a petition.
“What really touches my heart is seeing everyone in the community speak up. I think they are,” Porter said. “And this is a way for the community to be heard. One day we will come here and have a big barbecue. We will open it and we will celebrate together. It’s a win-win situation.”
Porter helped spread the word by posting a petition on her Facebook page and speaking about the issue on her radio show.
“They left comments and memories of taking swimming lessons here when they were kids and saying they wanted their kids to take swimming lessons here. We want them to have the same experience that they once had,” Porter continued. .
Arfer said the petition would be helpful but would not determine the final decision.
“To be truly successful, it needs to truly represent what the community wants from its park recreation system now, five years from now, 10 years from now,” Afer said.
The city said the masterplan is expected to be completed in May 2024 and the reopening of Kennedy Pool is subject to proposals.
To get the latest information about the formal initiation process for the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, visit the City of Yuma website. website.
You can also click here If you want to sign the petition.
The city wants to remind Yuma residents that three pools can still be enjoyed at full throttle: Valley Aquatic, Carver Pool, and Marcus Pool.You can check the time and entrance fee here.
