About half of Omaha's public pools are now officially open for somersaults and dives, beach balls and lots and lots of sunscreen, signaling the true start of summer for many Omaha-area youths.
Hundreds of parents who were willing to venture out of their comfortably air-conditioned — or at least roof-covered — homes Sunday took their families to the Elmwood Park swimming pool, which opened over the weekend. Children exalted in their newfound freedom by playing Marco Polo with friends, throwing balls, and giggling while skip-walking as quickly as they could without attracting the lifeguards' attention.
More than one child noted the simple delight of having a new candy stand at the pool. Others said they planned to spend entire days at the pool with friends, multiple times each week.
Malik Pittman, 16, had three younger cousins with him at Elmwood. Normally they go to Gallagher pool, but it was closed Sunday because of water clarity problems after a large number of swimmers used the pool Saturday.
During a 15-minute cleaning break at Elmwood on Sunday, the four talked about the mechanics of their first jump back into the pool. Their big decision of the day: Flip, dive or cannonball?
Cheryll Peterson-Brachle, Omaha's recreation coordinator, said preparation for the season began in October, with staff recruitment. Maintenance workers cleaned, repainted and filled the pool last month, and lifeguards finished their training in the past weeks. Then, as if on cue, the hot summer sun beamed down on Omaha.
Some children, Peterson-Brachle said, will spend all day every day at the pool — children such as Mariah Abney, 12, who said she probably will spend every day at the pool, from opening till closing.
“I bring friends,” Mariah said. “I'm excited.”
Children age 6 and older are allowed to be at the pool without a parent, while those ages 5 and under must have an adult within arm's reach at all times.
The Goodman sisters — Hannah, 12, and Shelby, 10 — said they've been waiting for this day since they got out of school a few weeks ago.
More than one child noted the simple delight of having a new candy stand at the pool. Others said they planned to spend entire days at the pool with friends, multiple times each week.
Malik Pittman, 16, had three younger cousins with him at Elmwood. Normally they go to Gallagher pool, but it was closed Sunday because of water clarity problems after a large number of swimmers used the pool Saturday.
During a 15-minute cleaning break at Elmwood on Sunday, the four talked about the mechanics of their first jump back into the pool. Their big decision of the day: Flip, dive or cannonball?
Cheryll Peterson-Brachle, Omaha's recreation coordinator, said preparation for the season began in October, with staff recruitment. Maintenance workers cleaned, repainted and filled the pool last month, and lifeguards finished their training in the past weeks. Then, as if on cue, the hot summer sun beamed down on Omaha.
Some children, Peterson-Brachle said, will spend all day every day at the pool — children such as Mariah Abney, 12, who said she probably will spend every day at the pool, from opening till closing.
“I bring friends,” Mariah said. “I'm excited.”
Children age 6 and older are allowed to be at the pool without a parent, while those ages 5 and under must have an adult within arm's reach at all times.
The Goodman sisters — Hannah, 12, and Shelby, 10 — said they've been waiting for this day since they got out of school a few weeks ago.
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