ST. LOUIS — A City of St. Louis-owned public pool will not open during Memorial Day weekend after being vandalized.
Officials with St. Louis' Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry found Thursday afternoon the swimming pool facility at Fairgrounds Park had been vandalized.
"Much of the metal including plumbing, pool filtration, sinks, paper towel dispensers, and more had been stripped from the outdoor pool facility," a press release said.
The release also said city contractors have started repairs to get the facility back up and running as soon as possible.
"The Fairgrounds pool will not reopen for Memorial Day weekend and will remain closed until the necessary repairs are completed," the release said.
5 On Your Side still found lots of people at Fairground Park Sunday, making their own Memorial Day fun.
"I wouldn't let them go over there because it's nasty," nearby resident and parent Paul Cleggett said. "I don't let them go on the court or anything, just stay in this area."
Cleggett said he and his family enjoy a different kind of fun in the sun for the holiday weekend.
"Love to kick it with my girl and my kids, that's pretty much it. We're by the water," he said.
This pool also has a dark history. In June, 1949, Fairgrounds Park Pool was integrated.
But Life Magazine reports when thirty to forty black kids showed up to swim, thousands of white people in St. Louis showed up to riot.
Four hundred police officers and twelve hours later, this became St. Louis's first race riot.
All other remaining city pools will be open from the holiday weekend.
Below is a list of city pools available to the public:
Outdoor Pools
- Chambers Pool | 3115 Franklin Avenue
- Marquette Pool | 4025 Minnesota Avenue
Indoor Pools
- 12th and Park | 1410 South Tucker
- Cherokee Pool | 3200 South Jefferson
- Tandy Pool | 4206 Kennerly
- Wohl Pool | 1515 North Kingshighway Boulevard
Find more information on the city pools and hours here.
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