It's time to get wet, Philly, public pools open Friday -- just in time for the scorching weather this weekend.
Mayor Michael Nutter set up the 2010 Splash and Summer FUNd to raise money for public pools after budget restraints drained the money for 27 pools last summer.
“In Philadelphia, keeping our swimming pools open during the summer is important to maintaining a strong sense of community in which friends and neighbors can connect,” Nutter said in a press release.
And lucky for Philadelphia, the First Niagara Financial Group, Inc. donated $400,000 dollars to the FUNd and promised to make sure the pools stay open through 2011.
Other private-sector donors helped the FUNd reach its $600,000 goal. These donors include Lombard Swim Club, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Philadelphia Parking Authority, TD Bank, Modell’s Sporting Goods and Temple University.
“The response for the Mayor’s Splash and Summer FUNd program, an initiative that is very near and dear to his administration, has been tremendous,” Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson said. “We are fortunate to have reached his goal for 2010.”
Opening these 70 pools provides 800 seasonal jobs for the city -- 400 in maintenance and 400 in lifeguarding.
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In addition to the donation, First Niagara created a $250,000 grant program for thousands of children to receive free swimming lessons at local YMCA’s.
Come out Friday at 3 p.m. to Kelly Pool in Fairmount Park and join Mayor Michael Nutter as he kicks off pool season and celebrates the opening day of 70 pools in Philadelphia.
Check below to see when you can make a splash at your local pool.
Friday, June 18
Fox Chase
Bridesburg
Awbury
Mander
Cohox
Kelly
Vare
Carousel
Lincoln (21st)
Sayre (21st )
Pickett (21st )
Saturday, June 19
MitchellJ
ardel
Feltonville
Francisville
Marian
Anderson
Lee
Tuesday, June 22
Vogt
Morris Estate
Kendrick
Athletic
Cione
Hawthorne
Max Myers
Wednesday, June 23
Samuel
Hunting Park
Northern Liberties
Murphy
Ford
Tustin
J. Finnegan
Christy
Thursday, June 24
Belfield
Cherashore
Hillside
Penrose
Lederer
Kingsessing
Friday, June 25
Lackman
Gathers
Cruz
Shepard
O’Connor
Saturday, June 26
Dendy
Barry
Monday, June 28
Schmidt
FJ
Myers
Waterloo
Tuesday, June 29
Jacobs
American
Legion
Piccoli
Amos
McVeigh
Sacks
Cobbs Creek
Wednesday, June 30
Simpson
Ziehler
Pleasant
Shuler
East Poplar
Baker
Hancock
Thursday, July 1
Lawncrest
Heitzman
12th & Cambria
ML King
Mill Creek
Stinger Square
Friday, July 2
Houseman
Lonnie Young
CB Moore
Chew
39th & Olive
Tuesday, July 6
Scanlon
Hartranft
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