The Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Heroes Fund hosted its Philly Phreeze fundraiser to help raise money to open all city pools.
During the fundraiser’s launch, Feb. 25 at Kelly Pool, Parks and Rec staff and advocates were in the water, having fun despite the cold weather. Over the spring, Parks and Rec Heroes Fund raised $70,000, The money raised will pay more lifeguards and contribute to a $1,000 end-of-season bonus, according to a City of Philadelphia press release.
After the city was only able to open 50 of the city’s 70 pools last year, advocates saw a need the could help fill. Parks and Recreation officials officials hope this will entice more people to become lifeguards.
According to the National Library of Medicine, swimming pools are a valuable summer option for minority children in urban areas. People of color comprise roughly 70% of Philadelphia’s population, and some Philadelphians need access to a pool to cool off during the summer. Last year the city saw record-level heat waves that reached nearly 100-degree weather.
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