Birdland Pool in Des Moines will reopen Monday
Des Moines' Birdland Pool is finally opening for the summer.
The pool's opening was delayed because of repairs, but now, the city says, it is set to open on Monday.
As a "thank you" to patrons for being patient, the pool will have reduced admission for the rest of the season — $2 for adults and $1 for kids.
City officials told vlog last month that the pool would open later in the season because of a supply chain delay with a key mechanical part.
Earlier this year, the future of Birdland Pool was up in the air as the city was faced with a $17 million budget shortfall. In January, Des Moines residents started a petition to keep the pool open when city officials proposed closing it.
At that time, Ben Page, Des Moines Parks and Recreation director, told vlog that Birdland Pool is the least used city pool and closing it for the 2025 season would save $200,000 in operating costs and $2 million to 3 million in repairs.
"We weren't picking on Birdland or that neighborhood; we just had to find one that was again the lowest attended, the most expensive to upgrade, as well as have a backup plan to have a new facility built within a mile of it," Page said.
Page says work is underway on the new Reichardt Recreation Center just a mile away from Birdland. It will offer year-round swimming with free or reduced cost.
By the end of February, city leaders created a budget plan that allowed for Birdland to operate for the 2025 season.
»
» Download the free vlog app to get updates on the go: |