Neighborhood Fights To Save Pool

A South Philly neighborhood says no pool equals no fun.

Some say the city closing Chew pool in Point Breeze spells nothing but trouble.

Neighbors feel the city is stripping their community of things it needs to keep kids busy and out of trouble.

"We have camp, football, basketball tournaments, everything we have drill teams," said Cindy Fisher.

Fisher and many others who live around 19th and Elsworth say closing the pool will put kids in the streets.

"I'm involved in everything i can get my hands," said Betty Buford.

"My concern with the children is that they're going to go wild because there's nothing for them to do."

She organized a rally to save Chew pool.

It is one of 27 the city says it's forced to close because of budget problems.

"We raised a half million dollars because we realize just how important it is that these pools are open," said Susan Slawson, commissioner for the Department of Recreation

Only 11 pools would have remained open but because of the city's "Splash and Summer Fund" effort, now 46 pools will stay open.

And officials say there's two other pools within in walking distance of the neighborhood.

Some worry about turf wars though, but the city is already addressing that concern by adding additional police to the neighborhood.

The city also wants to remind parents there are other summer programs they can sign their kids up for.

Some cost..but some are free. Also the rec centers and fields will remain open.