Cole's Pool Pass Program Is a "Splash" Hit With Area Kids
Millvale – While some children splashed happily away, others looked longingly from a distance, hands and face pressed resignedly against the chain link fence separating them from their comrades. Although the fence served as a physical barrier separating the onlookers from the community pool, the real obstacle was the $5.00 swim fee.
As she toured around the city, Councilmember Laketa Cole found similar scenes in other city neighborhoods. Although the Cincinnati Recreation Commission (CRC) opened city pools on Monday, June 7th, many remain underused because neighborhood children cannot afford the $5.00 swim pass. Disheartened by this news, Ms. Cole decided to start her Pool Pass Program.
On Tuesday, June 15, six Millvale children experienced the refreshing blast of a hot summer day’s swim for the first time. The children were issued swim tokens from CRC staff at the Millvale Community Center after Councilmember Laketa Cole donated money to cover their swimming fees.
As the children were presented with their tokens, Cole issued a challenge to area residents, asking citizens with the means to sponsor at least two children for the summer by donating to her Pool Pass Program. The program collects donations from residents to cover the cost of swimming passes for children who cannot afford even the modest $5.00 fee charged by CRC.
“I think it’s crucial that kids have access to things like pools that make summertime a fun time,” said Cole. “The city tries to provide resources for children at the lowest cost possible, but sometimes it’s just not low enough,” she added.
Cole emphasized that her program is not designed to be a free handout. Besides giving underprivileged children access to pools for the summer, the Ms. Cole’s program requires that children receiving passes sign a pledge to clean their community during the summer.
As she toured around the city, Councilmember Laketa Cole found similar scenes in other city neighborhoods. Although the Cincinnati Recreation Commission (CRC) opened city pools on Monday, June 7th, many remain underused because neighborhood children cannot afford the $5.00 swim pass. Disheartened by this news, Ms. Cole decided to start her Pool Pass Program.
On Tuesday, June 15, six Millvale children experienced the refreshing blast of a hot summer day’s swim for the first time. The children were issued swim tokens from CRC staff at the Millvale Community Center after Councilmember Laketa Cole donated money to cover their swimming fees.
As the children were presented with their tokens, Cole issued a challenge to area residents, asking citizens with the means to sponsor at least two children for the summer by donating to her Pool Pass Program. The program collects donations from residents to cover the cost of swimming passes for children who cannot afford even the modest $5.00 fee charged by CRC.
“I think it’s crucial that kids have access to things like pools that make summertime a fun time,” said Cole. “The city tries to provide resources for children at the lowest cost possible, but sometimes it’s just not low enough,” she added.
Cole emphasized that her program is not designed to be a free handout. Besides giving underprivileged children access to pools for the summer, the Ms. Cole’s program requires that children receiving passes sign a pledge to clean their community during the summer.
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