Wheeling Park Officials Work to Fix Swimming Pool After Paint Problem
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WHEELING -- Workers closed and drained the Wheeling Park swimming pool earlier this week after dozens of pool guests reported paint adhering to their skin or bathing suit after patronizing the facility earlier this month.
Park crews were working this week to rectify the situation, according to Lindsey McGlaughlin, the park's marketing director.
A number of employees were seen scraping and power washing different sections of the pool Thursday after areas of the pool that were spot painted prior to the facility's May 30 opening didn't have enough time to cure and dry properly, according McGlaughlin. She said the pool has been temporarily closed for repairs and it will be thoroughly inspected before it is refilled and reopened to the public. She said park officials hope to reopen the facility today.
"In an effort to keep the Wheeling Park swimming pool in tip-top shape, our team performs annual maintenance projects like adding a fresh coat of paint to the pool surface. But this year, in our haste to welcome guests back to the park, we did not allow enough time for the paint to cure properly before refilling the pool," McGlaughlin explained.
According to the McGlaughlin, the shell of the aging pool is made of metal and each year prior to the summer season crews must make the necessary repairs in areas where the pool shell shows signs of rust and corroding.
She said park officials have been in contact with "dozens of guests" over the past several days who have been impacted by the situation.
"This oversight has caused significant issues for so many of our loyal guests, and for this we are truly sorry," she said.
She said the park is working to reimburse guests for any damaged swimsuits and they are welcoming them back with complimentary admission tickets once the pool is reopened.
"Anyone who was impacted by this unfortunate situation is encouraged to contact us via the Wheeling Park Facebook Page," she said. "We are extremely appreciative to our guests for their understanding and we look forward to welcoming them back to the pool once this situation has been rectified."