St. Lucie County Considering Shortening Pool Days

St. Lucie County is facing a tough budget year. Some things possibly making the cut: pools.

It's a Florida luxury, year-round swimming. Soon, that could be a just a memory in some parts of St. Lucie County. Swim Coach, Deni Gillespie, says, "We would like to swim year-round. There is a need for that."

A need says Gillespie epecially for her swim club. Her team practices at the Port St. Lucie Community Pool. It's just one of 4 on the chopping block. The county says by making the pool only open during the summer and cutting days and hours at Open Space Pool, Paradise Park Pool and Lakewood Park Regional Park Pool they can save $185,000.

A number making a big splash with the county. By cutting pool hours, the county can save other county jobs.

Competitive swimmer Gabriell Tschudi says cutting days and hours will hurt kids in the long run, "I think a lot of the younger kids won't be able to get the practice they need before they go into high school. They are not going to be as strong of swimmer as they would be if they had this program in the pool."

To save the pool this community has grown to love, dedicated swimmers have banded together. They are hoping they can raise $80,000 dollar to keep it open year-round. The group, "Fiends of Ravenswood Park," are asking corporations to sponsor the park. "It's a big donation, but it's a donation that is so worthwhile in terms of safety, health fitness, socialization," says Gillespie.

If you would like to find out more information call Gillespie at 772-285-5917

The county says they sympathize with the group and they won't make a final decision until final budget meeting in the middle of September.