NEW ORLEANS — For the first time this summer, residents in Algiers have a pool to cool off in. The Federal City pool opened over the weekend and families are enjoying the water before school goes back.
All summer Algiers residents haven't had a place to take a dip, now residents like Deandria Blackburn and their families can cool off during the heat.
She said, "This pool is a blessing to the neighborhood to be able to just get up and go, you don't have to go across the river."
A mother she says, "My girls love outside, so to get out here it's a stress reliever, they get to be out, be comfortable and enjoy themselves."
The public pool had been closed all summer for repairs. The enjoyment by some though, may be short-lived as Algiers Charter Schools open the week of August 6th.
New Orleans Recreation Development Commission CEO Larry Barabino, Jr. released the following statement:
“On behalf of the New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission, I am thrilled to announce the successful reopening of the Federal City Pool, which took place this past Saturday, July 27. The completion of these much-needed repairs means that residents of Algiers can once again enjoy this vital community resource. We are excited to welcome back families and individuals to experience the enhanced facilities and enjoy quality time together in a safe environment. We understand the inconvenience the temporary closure may have caused and deeply appreciate the community’s patience and understanding during this period. The improvements made will ensure that the Federal City Pool remains a top-notch facility for everyone to enjoy, while prioritizing the safety of our patrons. Additionally, we are eagerly looking forward to the opening of the George V. Rainey Natatorium at Morris FX Jeff Sr. Complex early this fall. This state-of-the-art facility will allow us to offer aquatic activities all year round, providing the residents of Algiers with even more opportunities for water safety instruction, free swimming lessons, exercise, and community engagement. We are excited to continue enhancing our community’s access to quality aquatics facilities and programs. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you at the pool!”
Those living in Algiers are grateful the pool is open, and 12-year-old Gabriel White is one of them. He says he wishes the pool had opened earlier this summer.
"It's really good to feel refreshed on this hot summer day," said White. He went on to say, "It frustrated me a little bit because I really wanted to swim, and I like swimming."
Residents are pleading with the city to keep their pools open. Blackburn said, "Please, the city of New Orleans maintain all the pools. Every neighborhood deserves to just have a pool in their backyard."
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