Philadelphia opens first pool of summer amid heat health emergency

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- City officials marked the start of pool season Friday as Philadelphia's first public pool opened during a stretch of extreme heat, offering residents a way to cool off as schools let out for the summer.

"Philadelphia schools are out, temperatures are high and we're proud to say our pools are opening," said Susan Slawson, commissioner of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation.

John B. Kelly Pool is the first to open as part of a phased rollout of more than 60 city pools. The season's ceremonial first plunge, led by Mayor Cherelle Parker, coincided with the second day of the city's first heat health emergency of the summer.

"Please, Philadelphia, stay hydrated, check on neighbors, and take advantage of cooling resources across the city," Parker said.

Officials emphasized both the importance of access to cooling spaces and public safety as temperatures climb.

"It's a little warm. It's pool weather. We want people to come out to our pools, but we also want people to be safe," Slawson said.

Families packed the pool throughout the day, seeking relief from the heat.

"It's an understatement. The heat, yes, before we got here, we had to wait an hour. You can see I'm sweating, it's hot, but a good day to refresh," said Rob Holley of Mount Airy.

Children eagerly planned how they would kick off the season.

"I'm gonna do a cannonball. I'm scared because it's gonna be really cold," said one kid while waiting to jump in.

More pools will continue to open in phases in the coming days. Hunting Park Pool is scheduled to open later Friday, with additional sites opening daily until all 63 pools are in operation.

Max Myers and Sacks pools are set to open Saturday, followed by Gathers and Bridesburg pools on Sunday.

City officials also said Philadelphia is still hiring lifeguards as the summer season gets underway.

The poolopening schedule for June 12-16 is available below. Subsequent pool openings will be added to phila.gov/ppr.

Friday, June 12

• Hunting ParkPool- 1101 W. Hunting Park Avenue, 19140

• KellyPool- 4231 Lansdowne Drive, 19131

Saturday, June 13

• Max Myers Pool - 1601 Hellerman Street, 19149

• Sacks Pool - 400 Washington Avenue, 19147

Sunday, June 14

• GathersPool- 2501-19 W. Diamond Street, 19121

• BridesburgPool- 4625 Richmond Street, 19137

Monday, June 15

• Marian AndersonPool- 740 S. 17th Street, 19146

• LackmanPool- 1101 Bartlett Street, 19115

Tuesday, June 16

• Tiffany Fletcher Pool- 743-81 N 48th Street, 19139

• SchmidtPool- 113 W Ontario Street, 19140

Seven neighborhood pools will remain closed this season while major capital work is completed, according to the city. These facilities will undergo a combined $70 million investment in upgrades and reconstruction, including the following locations:

• Lonnie Cohen Recreation Center

• Cecil B. Moore Recreation Center

• Vogt Recreation Center

• Feltonville Recreation Center

• McVeigh Recreation Center

• Lawncrest Recreation Center

• Cherashore Recreation Center

To find a pool near you, visit the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation's website.