Kansas City, Kansas to drain Parkwood Pool, reopen in 2022

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Unlucky for those looking to jump in and cool off this summer in Kansas City, Kansas.

With the annual maintenance and swimming inspections completed, the Parkwood Pool, located at 950 Quindaro Blvd., said Wyandotte County/KCK Unified Government. will be withdrawn and remain closed for the remainder of the 2021 season.

UG says it has plans for the 2022 season, however, with a potential contractual relationship to support the pool’s day-to-day operations, in addition to hiring lifeguards, pool managers and staff. local support staff.

“While we are deeply disappointed, we are unable to provide this service this year due to COVID and labor shortages,” said KCK Parks Department spokesman Angel Obert. “We are working towards a great 2022 season at the pool.”

During the summer, the KCK community protested against the park department not opening the pool for the 2021 season.

The Department of Parks and Recreation announced in May that Parkwood Pool, the only public swimming pool in Kansas City, Kansas, will not open in the summer of 2021 because of difficulty recruiting lifeguards and staff. other key as schools close during the pandemic.

On June 6, a group of young children jumped the fence at Parkwood Pool. One of the children, a 13-year-old boy, jumped into the abyss but was unable to get out, according to the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office. He was in the water for several minutes before being rescued by the KCK Fire Department.

The sheriff’s office said the boy was taken to Children’s Mercy, where he later died.

Many of those who came to protest believe the teen’s death would never have happened had the pool open with a lifeguard on duty.

The community believes more needs to be done for the youth as it is the only swimming option for children in the area.

County has three spray parks open in summer at Eisenhower Park, Pierson Park, and Heathwood Park.