High temperatures prompt Schenectady officials to open pool early

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – Dozens lined up outside the brand-new Central Park Pool in Schenectady Wednesday morning. City leaders opened the pool a few days early because of the heat. 

The pool opened at 12:30 on Wednesday but Michelle Miller was in line at 10:30 A.M. She’s pregnant with her 8th child and had one thing on her mind when she was the first person in line.

“My pregnant butt is going in that pool,” Miller said. And she wasn’t the only one with that idea. We also found Treasure Mejia as she waited in line with her three grandkids.

“We are happy that they have done this for us in this community. We needed it,” said Mejia. “It’s a beautiful day to enjoy the pool!”

Julie Rouse is the Aquatics Director at the Boys and Girls Club of Schenectady. They have a contract with the city to staff and operate the pool. Rouse said they felt compelled to open early.

“We saw the heat wave come. We spoke with people at the city. The city talked to us and said ‘Let’s go for it’,” said Rouse.

The excitement was palpable as everyone jumped into the pool for the first time, including Jeylani who said, “I came here the first day and I like it.”

Officials reminded everyone to look out for signs of heat illness. Symptoms include body temperature above 103 degrees, red hot and dry skin, headaches, dizziness and nausea. If anyone displays these symptoms they say to take them indoors immediately. 

Mejia kept a close eye on her grandkids Wednesday with more plans to cool off later in the day.

“We were going to do this and then go get some ice cream right guys? They’re open until 6:00 P.M. This is it for the day,” said Mejia.

Again, officials want to remind everyone to keep an eye out for heat related  illnesses.