Extra week for pool within reach

The Burlington Road Neighborhood Association says it's getting closer to keeping its neighborhood pool open an extra week.

The group has raised about half of the $4,500 needed to pay staff wages and operating expenses for the week for Hitchcock Pool, 5005 S. 45th St., said Virgil Patlan, president of the neighborhood group.

He said residents and organizations have pledged donations, some as much as $300. He said the group has until noon Tuesday to raise the rest of the money.

“We understand that everybody's strapped, but we're reaching out to anyone who can give a little amount,” Patlan said. “It all adds up in the end.”

Two weeks ago, Mayor Jim Suttle announced eight city pools would close for the season Sunday, instead of Aug. 9, to help save money from the city's 2009 budget. The rest of the city's outdoor pools were already scheduled to close Sunday. The mayor is dealing with a $14 million shortfall in this year's budget.

Parks Administrator Steve Scarpello said the pool will remain open next week if the group gets the money in time. He said the city set the deadline to allow time to round up lifeguards and other staffers to work.

“The staff thinks they are off on Sunday,” he said. “A lot of the kids have made other plans.”

Suttle spokesman Ron Gerard said: "Timelines are running short. But if anybody can come up with a quick solution, we will certainly support them."

Patlan said donations can be made at any Security Bank location in Omaha.

For more information, call 452-9933.

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