GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) - The weather is getting warmer. School is almost out. And people are starting to plan for summer. For tens of thousands of children in Grand Rapids, that means swimming.
The City of Grand Rapids will be opening six swimming pools this summer, thanks to donations.
About three years ago, when the city could no longer fund the pools, Grand Rapids businessman Roosevelt Tillman stepped up to help lead a fundraising campaign. This is the third year the pools will be able to open because of donations from corporations, philanthropic organizations, and individuals.
So far this year, the "Great Waves for Grand Rapids Kids" group has raised $120,000 of its $300,000 goal. Mayor George Heartwell says, "So, the fundraising goes on. This isn't the end of it. But we have hit the time of year where we have to open these pools. We're opening them with the money we have and we're trusting that additional corporate and philanthropic support will follow."
Tillman says the pools are needed because "the kids are our future. If we lose our kids, we have no future. That's how important it is. They insure our future as a community survives. This is one small thing, we think it is, but to the kids it's a big thing, for them."
Last year, 77,000 children used the Grand Rapids pools. Police Chief Kevin Belk says that helps keep kids busy and out of trouble.
Thursday, Blue Cross Blue Shield donated $15,000 towards a survival swimming class to promote water safety.
Briggs, MLK, Richmond, Campau, Highland, and Lincoln pools will be open from June 22nd until August 14th this year.
Because the city is facing further budget cuts in the future, Mayor Heartwell says there will not be money to open the pools next year either, so they are looking for ongoing private support.
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