Pueblo Parks and Recreation increases pool hours thanks to a state grant

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- The City of Pueblo Parks and Recreation received the Pools Special Initiative 2022 grant award from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs and the Office of Economic Development and International Trade’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office.

The City of Pueblo was the only city in southern Colorado to receive the maximum award amount of $25,000.

“We know this grant initiative is part of Governor Polis’ efforts to support Colorado swimming and recreation across the state in many local communities like ours in Pueblo and we are grateful for the award,” said Director of Pueblo Parks and Recreation Steven Meier.

Governor of Colorado Jared Polis wanted to ensure communities were able to take immediate action to assist with summer pool recreation.  This grant was awarded to 71 swimming pools across the state of Colorado. It provides assistance with retention, recruitment, training, and overtime wages if necessary for staffing purposes.

Although Pueblo Parks and Recreation has not had issues with the recruitment of lifeguards or other recreation personnel, this grant allows the City of Pueblo to continue to provide services to the citizens of Pueblo during the recovery from the pandemic. Pueblo Parks and Recreation plans to increase hours and the availability of services for the remainder of the summer with the use of this grant

“We are very proud of the services we offer with Pueblo Parks and Recreation, and we know that residents look forward to the pools opening every summer because they plan their daily activities with swimming, parks, leagues, and other activities we offer for youth and adults alike,” said Meier.

Pueblo Parks and Recreation has four outdoor pool locations across the city which includes City Park Pool, Mineral Palace Park Pool, Mitchell Park Pool and Ray Aguilera Park Pool and hours vary by location. City Park Pool and Mineral Palace Park Pool hours have two sessions with session one from 12 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. and session two from 3 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. every day. Mitchell Park Pool and Ray Aguilera Park Pool hours are from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. every day.

For more information and to see the aquatic programs offered, click here or call 719-553-2790.