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Wheeling officials hope to keep all of the city's swimming pools open and operating during traditional hours this summer, but that will hinge on the availability of enough lifeguards to staff the pools.
Wheeling City Manager Robert Herron noted that Sunday was the official opening day for all of the city pools. Currently, the staffing is sufficient to keep all of the pools operating with daily hours from noon to 6 p.m., weather permitting.
Hours and days of operation may fluctuate in the future if staffing becomes an issue, the city manager explained.
"All pools will be open. Right now, we do have enough lifeguards, but we're concerned about that going forward," Herron said. "If we do experience a shortage in lifeguards, there may be a day or two during the week that one or two pools may have to be closed down."
The city of Wheeling operates four public swimming pools during the summer season. They include the 36th Street Pool in South Wheeling, Garden Park Pool in Warwood, Bridge Park Pool on Wheeling Island and the Grandview Pool on Wheeling Heights.
Also in Wheeling, pools operated by the Wheeling Park Commission -- the Wheeling Park Pool and Oglebay Pool at the Crispin Center -- have already opened for the season. Those pools are staffed by personnel employed through the Wheeling Park Commission, not the city of Wheeling.
"At least three of the city pools will be open at all regular times, but we may have to schedule around lifeguard availability," Herron said. "But right now, we're in good shape."
During hours of operation of the city pools, certified lifeguards are always on duty. Each pool is also staffed with concession stand workers.
The city pools are available for pool party rentals, and Family Fun Nights featuring free admission into the pool as well as free hot dogs, popcorn, ice cream, soda and a DJ will be held at each different pool throughout the season.
Family Fun Nights, sponsored by the Wheeling Recreation Department, take place from 6-8 p.m. and are open to everyone for a fun family outing.
Family Fun Nights will take place on June 12 at Garden Park, June 26 at the 36th Street Pool, July 10 at the Grandview Pool and July 24 at Bridge Park.
Season swim passes, swimming lessons, senior swim hours, evening swim programs are available. Visit the city's website at www.wheelingwv.gov and click the "City Pools" tab under the Parks and Recreation page for additional information on Wheeling's swimming pools.
"Hopefully we can make it through the summer without any issues," Herron said.