The city of Pittsburgh announced on Tuesday that all residents 15 and younger will be allowed to swim for free at Citiparks aquatic facilities, and those ages 6-15 will have access to free swimming lessons.
“We encourage parents to sign their kids up, to engage, to learn how to swim, because it's not just delivering kids to pools that guarantees a good time, it's providing a safe experience, a welcoming experience and the opportunity to develop skills that lead to lifelong fitness and health,” said Jim Griffin, director of the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation.
Pools in Pittsburgh open on Tuesday June 9, the day after the last day of Pittsburgh Public School classes. All 18 outdoor pools will be open.
Mayor Bill Peduto said providing free pool passes to children was something that was frequently discussed when he was a City Council member.
“What we’re doing is doing more than that, because we’re getting them into a program at our rec centers that will give them the opportunities to do so much more than just get a free swim pass," he said. "It will give them opportunities to improve their lives and for opportunities that will come later.”
Parents of children who want to participate in the program will have to register at any of the Citiparks Recreation Centers. They must have the membership card every time they visit the pool.
Swim lessons start June 22.
More information is at www.citiparks.net.
