Chicago Park District opening all 77 pools for season Friday

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Starting Friday all of Chicago's 77 public pools will be open following a lifeguard hiring binge.

Last summer, only half of the city's pools opened due to a citywide lifeguard shortage.

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This year, the Chicago Park District made a successful hiring push. That means it can meet its goal to open every indoor and outdoor pool Friday and run most of them at least five days a week.

Pay starts at $16.19 an hour, and families said they're thrilled.

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"It's nice to have some good news for a change," said Cher Woodman, who was at the Holstein Park Pool.

"It's amazing, especially with the nice weather to enjoy the beautiful day with my kids," said Dulce Garcia, who was at the McKinley Park pool.

SEIU Local 73, which started bargaining a new contract with the Chicago Park District just two days ago, said while all pools are open they are hearing reports of understaffing. In response, the Park District said it values its workforce "...and the work they perform daily to support our parks and the children and families that rely on our services. We look forward to engaging SEIU to negotiate a successor contract that meets the needs and interests of its members and the District."

For more information, visit the Chicago Park District website.