SIMI VALLEY : Budget Cuts Keep Public Pool Closed
Simi Valley’s only public pool remained closed this spring break for the first time in 20 years, another victim of state budget cuts and dwindling local resources.
Park district officials said they were forced to keep the pool at Rancho Simi Community Park closed this week because the park district budget was cut $1.1 million this year and last year.
“Personally, I think it’s an awful shame,†said park district board member Debi Schultze. “But it is one of the more costly things the district does.â€
Although the pool doesn’t officially open for the summer season until June 17, park officials have opened it for the week of spring break every year since the pool was built 20 years ago. This year, they decided to save the $2,500 it takes to staff and prepare the pool.
A lack of available lifeguards helped contribute to the decision, said Diana Riley, district recreation supervisor. College students usually make extra money on their spring breaks by watching the pool. But this year’s Simi Valley Unified School District spring break fell during a different week from most area colleges, making lifeguards hard to find.
“We just decided that the one-week opening was too financially draining,†Riley said. “But then of course it’s beautiful weather all this week.â€
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