Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Vandalism and violence are to blame for the early end of the swimming season at one Buffalo city swimming pool, as JFK Pool along Hickory Street shut down Monday.
"Ensuring the safety of our residents and employees is always our top priority," said Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon in an interview with WBEN. "While it is unfortunate to close any recreational facility during the summer, we cannot ignore the reality that continued acts of violence and threats against staff have made operations at JFK Pool unsustainable."
Scanlon points to one incident a few weeks ago that attributed to the pool's closure.
"There was a major incident there where there was a verbal altercation. It became physical, and someone saying they're going to come back with their family and finish it. They left. They did come back with about 20 people. There was a larger incident, and police were involved," Scanlon explained.
According to Scanlon, it's reached the point where lifeguards don't feel safe coming to work at JFK Pool.
"We no longer have lifeguards that are willing to report to work there, so we certainly cannot have a pool open without lifeguards," Scanlon said. "And because of the behavior that's taken place over there, we no longer can ensure the safety of our employees or the public. So we are forced to close that pool.
Scanlon adds lifeguards have been abused in the past, both verbally and physically at that pool.
Vandalism has also been an issue at JFK Pool, with people even breaking in just a couple weekends ago.
"It's been closed for about a little over a week. When we tried to figure this out, work with the security team that works the pool, along with Buffalo Police about putting additional people there. But despite those conversations, we still don't have lifeguards that are willing to report to work there," Scanlon noted.
Ellicott District Councilwoman Leah Halton-Pope issued the following statement on the pool's closure:
"I’m deeply disappointed and frustrated by today’s announcement that the City of Buffalo plans to keep the JFK Recreation Center Pool closed for the remainder of the season due to recent violent incidents. This pool is a lifeline for nearby residents during the scorching days of summer - and yet it has been closed for some of the hottest days of the year because of the violent and reckless actions of certain individuals.
"Unfortunately, two weeks ago, we had an incident in which an adult physically assaulted and threatened a young lifeguard at the pool, causing staff to fear for their lives. As a result, the pool has remained closed since then in order to prioritize the safety of staff.. It is unacceptable to me that my constituents are being denied pool access on 90-plus degree days because of the violent actions of a few individuals. I’m now working with the Administration and anti-violence organizations in the community on a solution to reopen the JFK Pool for the final weeks of the season. My plan would provide for additional security at the pool to ensure the safety of lifeguards and residents.
"Our residents deserve access to public parks and pools, and our city employees deserve to have a work environment where they feel safe. I’m hopeful we can reach a solution in the coming days that provides for both."
Nearby pools that are open are Houghton and Centennial pools.