'It's really a shame': Hales Corners residents push for local pool to reopen after years of closure
HALES CORNERS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- With summer on its way, the decision of which outdoor pools in Milwaukee County will open is looming.
Hales Corners pool hasn’t reopened since the pandemic, sitting unused for years now. Residents say it's unacceptable and a waste of resources, asking for it to finally be able to open.
"It’s so frustrating," said Hales Corners resident Peggy Attwood.
"It's been very disappointing," said resident Karen Mikolainis.
Being closed for nearly five years, Hales Corners residents say it's their turn to enjoy their local pool.
"Having the pool open would just be a huge benefit and I think it would bring in some revenue for the community," said Attwood. "It would be a place for the community to gather."
Patti Logsdon, the Milwaukee County 9th District supervisor, says both her and the residents have been advocating for the re-opening for years.
"Everybody loves that pool and it's not just Hales Corners," said Logsdon. "They are bringing in people from New Berlin, Muskego, Franklin, wherever. We get a lot of people that come in to swim at that pool."
She says the decision of which county pools can open for the year comes down to the Milwaukee County Parks Department, which has to consider lifeguard staffing among shortages and which pools receive the most revenue.
Finding out the pool is closed year after year, Logsdon says she's willing to compromise to have the pool open part-time.
"At least that pool will be open two or three days a week for it to be used," said Logsdon. "I mean it's just a shame to see it go non-used and it's such a nice pool and area."
Residents say they'd be willing to offer a helping hand.
"I would volunteer time if they want us to do that," said Attwood. "I just think that it's really a shame to have a beautiful option and have it be closed."
CBS 58 reached out to the Milwaukee Parks Department for more information but we haven't heard back yet.
Logsdon says the pool openings list from the parks department could be released as soon as Wednesday.